scholarly journals Assessment on the Circular Economy for Waste Minimization in the Construction Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Dr Mohd Reza Esa ◽  
WAN AZLAN SHAH EDDIE SHAH EDWARD ◽  
ANTHONY HALOG
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Waste Minimization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Valley Area ◽  
Minimization Approach

The movement towards sustainability and resiliency has become a central talking point for the Malaysian government. Waste that is immeasurably generated from the construction activities should be appropriately managed to preserve the environment. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge about the concept of Circular Economy (CE) as an approach for waste minimization via a survey questionnaire sent to the G7 contractors in the Klang Valley area. The ultimate version of the questionnaire consisted of 38 questions, and it was sent to 360 targeted G7 contractors. 135 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 37.5%. The results reveal that most of the contractors were knowledgeable about the potential of the CE concept as an approach for waste minimization. Environmental sustainability would be attained when the CE concept is used to minimize the waste generated from the construction activities. The integration of adaptative reused is found to be suitable to enhance the implementation of the CE concept. The results revealed considerable potential for the CE concept to be used as a waste minimization approach in the construction industry. In this sense, the enhancement of the CE concept implementation throughout the construction cycle could set up a direction for future research. Keywords: Waste, Circular Economy, Environmental Sustainability, Adaptative Reused, Malaysia

scholarly journals Recycling Polyethylene-Rich Plastic Waste from Landfill Reclamation: Toward an Enhanced Landfill-Mining Approach

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Avolio ◽  
Francesco Spina ◽  
Gennaro Gentile ◽  
Mariacristina Cocca ◽  
Maurizio Avella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Material Recovery ◽  
Landfill Mining ◽  
Secondary Raw Material ◽  
Set Up

In the frame of a circular economy, the maximization of secondary raw-material recovery is necessary to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of landfill mining and reclamation activities. In this paper, the polyethylene-rich plastic fraction recovered from the reclamation of an abandoned industrial landfill (landfill-recovered plastic, LRP) has been characterized through spectroscopic, thermal, morphological, and mechanical analyses. Then, an economically viable valorization and recycling strategy was set up. The effectiveness of this strategy in the enhancement of LRP properties has been demonstrated through morphological and mechanical characterizations.

scholarly journals CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM CONTRACTING ENTERPRISES IN KLANG VALLEY MALAYSIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Wah-Peng Lee ◽  
Tien-Choon Toh ◽  
Yoke-Lian Lew ◽  
Sin-Huai Khor ◽  
Kai-Chen Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Employment Growth ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Fiscal And Monetary Policy ◽  
Valley Area

This study investigated the issues constraining the growth of small and medium-scale contracting firms, which can, in turn, reflect the small and medium-scale contractors’ needs that are corresponding to the needs or supports required by small and medium-scale contractors. The purpose of this study is to help SMCEs realise their own needs and also to assist government and policymakers to discover the approaches that should be executed and allocate scarce resources to the critical parts through needs identification and appraisal. A closed-ended questionnaire survey was deployed and the responses collected only reflecting the construction players that are currently working in CIDB registered Grade 1 to Grade 6 contracting enterprises in the Klang Valley area. Through factor analysis, five critical needs have been identified. They are technical and technological needs, job accessibility needs, favourable fiscal and monetary policy needs, business development needs and anti-corruption needs. Besides, this study revealed that the success of SMCEs can be perceived in the aspects of their business growth, profit growth and employment growth. Research studies on this topic are limited in the Malaysian construction industry. Therefore, this study provides guidance and references for SMCEs and policymakers concerning the capacity building needs and how their successes can be achieved so that SMCEs can be assisted in a way that is truly able to build their capabilities in today’s construction sector in Malaysia.

scholarly journals A systematic review of circular economy research in the construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluyomi A. Osobajo ◽  
Adekunle Oke ◽  
Temitope Omotayo ◽  
Lovelin Ifeoma Obi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Directions

PurposeWhile circular economy (CE) is fast becoming a political and economic agenda for global urban development, there are still substantial knowledge gaps in possible strategies to speed up such transition, especially in the construction industry. This study analyses literature surrounding CE to unpack current trends possible future research directions to foster CE implementation in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study undertakes a systematic review of CE literature published between 1990 and 2019. It adopts a five-stage procedure as a methodological approach for the review: formulation of the research question(s), locating and identifying relevant studies, selection and evaluation of studies, analysis or synthesis and results reporting.FindingsThe findings on CE research in the construction industry show extensive focus on resource use and waste management. There are limited investigations in other areas of construction such as supply chain integration, building designs, policy, energy efficiency, land use, offsite manufacturing, whole life costing, and risk, cost reduction, cost management, health and safety management. The study findings provide evidence that current CE practice fails to incorporate other areas that would facilitate the network of true circular construction industry.Originality/valueThis research provides a comprehensive overview of research efforts on CE in the construction context, identifying areas of extensive and limited coverage over three decades. Besides, it identifies possible pathways for future research directions on CE implementation, towards the accelerated transition to a true circular construction industry for the benefit of funding bodies and researchers.

scholarly journals The Dutch Green Deals Policy and Its Applicability to Circular Economy Policies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 11683
Author(s):  
Sven Kevin van Langen ◽  
Renato Passaro
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Policy Instrument ◽  
Future Research ◽  
National Innovation Systems ◽  
Content Analyses ◽  
Biobased Economy

This study investigates the applicability of the Dutch Green Deals policy instrument for use in projects that help the transition towards a Circular Economy in the Netherlands. Green Deals provide an opportunity for firms, NGOs, universities, and provincial, municipal, or waterboard governments to sign an agreement with the national government to take away barriers for a Circular Economy related innovation. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis has been performed, categorizing all green deals as being related to Circular Economy and those are further categorized thematically and analytically. A total of 50 relevant Green Deal agreements are selected for quantitative and qualitative content analyses that cover 9 themes, 20 industry classifications, and 10 types of action undertaken, being particularly popular in the biobased economy and construction industry. The policy instrument is believed to be successful in addressing a variety of barriers and as useful in strengthening national innovation systems, thus, it can be recommended for application in other countries. The instrument does lack clear policy indicators and would benefit from explanatory reviews with each agreement. Future research could compare this policy instrument to similar instruments employed in other EU countries and developing countries, the potential role of green financing for such green deal agreements should also be considered.

scholarly journals Patterns and trends in Internet of Things (IoT) research: future applications in the construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arka Ghosh ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Drivers

PurposeThe Internet of Things (IoT) provides exciting opportunities for the construction industry to solve its time and resource constraints and frequent defaults. This study seeks to identify and rank the perceived importance level of principal research areas associated with the IoT and the construction industry by utilising a scientific mapping tool (i.e. VOSviewer). Such knowledge would enable key drivers for successful adoption of the IoT and digitisation technologies to be outlined. An analysis of key drivers and research trends that facilitates the development of a roadmap for applying the IoT and digital technologies in the construction sector is therefore much needed.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretivist philosophical lens was adopted to analyse published work as secondary data, where each publication represented a unit of analysis. A total of 417 peer-reviewed journal review articles covering the IoT within the construction domain were systematically reviewed using a mixed-methods approach, utilising qualitative-scientometric analyses techniques.FindingsThe results revealed a field of study in a fledgling stage, with a limited number of experts operating somewhat in isolation and offering single-point solutions instead of taking an integrated “holistic” approach. Key publication outlets were identified and the main focus of research undertaken being in the technical areas of smart buildings, smart construction objects and environmental sustainability. The major effects of adopting the IoT within the construction industry were identified as high-speed reporting, complete process control, data explosion leading to deep data analytics, strict ethical and legal expectations. Key drivers of the IoT adoption were outlined: interoperability; data privacy and security; flexible governance structures; proper business planning and models.Practical implicationsThe study benefits researchers and industry practitioners alike. For researchers, the identified gaps reveal areas of high priority in future research. For construction companies, particularly small to medium-sized businesses, the study raises awareness of the latest developments and potential applicability of the IoT in the industry. For government agencies and policymakers, this study offers a point of reference in directing the adoption of the IoT smoothly in the construction sector and provides guidelines and standards for maximising the potential benefits.Originality/valueThe study is the first scientometric review of the existing body of knowledge in the context of application of the IoT in the construction industry. Findings expose knowledge gaps in contemporary research, specifically, a broader consideration of organisational adjustments needed to accommodate the IoT usage, economic analyses and impediments to wider acceptance.

scholarly journals To Study an Awareness on Sustainable Green Building Practices Amongst Construction Industry Players

2018 ◽  
pp. 1033-1040
Author(s):  
Azlina Md. Yassin ◽  
Sharifah MeryamShareh Musa ◽  
Haryati Shafii
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Indoor Environmental Quality ◽  
Property Development ◽  
Environmentally Responsible ◽  
Energy Conserving ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Site Planning ◽  
Building Practice ◽  
Valley Area

Green building is refers to both a structure and the using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout the building’s life cycle. Green building concept is introduced in 1960s and has gradually spread throughout the world and emphasized more on to energy conserving for office building in 1970s. In Malaysia, the green building concept has been accepted after announcement of 9th Malaysian Plan (2006-2010) in 2006 with focusing more on Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE). Furthermore, Malaysia has launched its own Green building Index (GBI) in year 2009. However this GBI is concentrated only on the measurement of green building but not for other aspects of green building such as indoor environmental quality, sustainable site planning and management, and so on. Moreover, the development of green building concept has occurred with limited understanding and guidance, and some cases have added a cost to the development. Therefore, this paper aims to identify factor influencing green building practice in Malaysia as well as to study awareness on green building practices amongst construction industry practitioner. The findings of this research were based on the questionnaires mailed and e-mailed to 75 construction industry companies; Property development company, Contractor company, Architect firm and Property management company within Klang Valley area. The findings have identified independent/government rating system as the main factor influencing construction industry player to undertaking green building practice. The results also revealed that the awareness amongst the construction players towards sustainable green building concept is moderate, and property development companies contributed to the highest mean score. These results show the willingness of the respondents to participate and committed with the green building development. This will allow recommendations to help ensure more sustainable green building development in Malaysia in the future.

scholarly journals Insights into the adoption of green construction in Malaysia: The drivers and challenges

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmah Alia Mohamad Bohari ◽  
Martin Skitmore ◽  
Bo Xia ◽  
Xiaoling Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Publishing House ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Green Construction ◽  
International Publishing ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Open Access Article

The construction sector is an essential in providing physical development for nations to cater to the demand for infrastructures such as education, housing, and manufacturing. However, the adverse impact of the building sector on the environment has triggered a growing awareness of the sustainable approach. Green construction is becoming expected in every construction project, and Malaysia is developing a national pathway to sustainable construction. After a comprehensive literature review, this research used semi-structured face-to-face interviews with industry experts to explore the current practices. In the Malaysian context, the compliance with government policy and industry guidelines has been the primary push factors to deliver green projects. The most common barrier faced was the low level of knowledge and awareness of project stakeholders. This paper helps provide a basis for future research and increase stakeholder awareness of green construction in the Malaysian construction industry and beyond.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Green Building; Green construction, Drivers, Barriers.

scholarly journals CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM CONTRACTING ENTERPRISES IN KLANG VALLEY MALAYSIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Wah-Peng Lee ◽  
Tien-Choon Toh ◽  
Yoke-Lian Lew ◽  
Sin-Huai Khor ◽  
Kai-Chen Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Employment Growth ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Fiscal And Monetary Policy ◽  
Valley Area

This study investigates the issues constraining the growth of small and medium-scale contracting firms, which can, in turn, reflect the small and medium-scale contractors’ needs that are corresponding to the needs or supports required by small and medium-scale contractors. The purpose of this study is to help SMCEs realise their own needs and also to assist government and policymakers to discover the approaches that should be executed and allocate scarce resources to the critical parts through needs identification and appraisal. A closed-ended questionnaire survey was deployed and the responses collected only reflect the construction players that are currently working in CIDB registered Grade 1 to Grade 6 contracting enterprises in the Klang Valley area. Five critical needs were identified through factor analysis. They are technical and technological needs, job accessibility needs, favourable fiscal and monetary policy needs, business development needs, and anti-corruption needs. Besides, this study reveals that the success of SMCEs can be perceived in the aspects of their business growth, profit growth and employment growth. Research studies on this topic are limited in the Malaysian construction industry. Therefore, this study provides guidance and references for SMCEs and policymakers concerning the capacity building needs and how their successes can be achieved, so that SMCEs can be assisted in a way that they are capable to build their capabilities in today’s construction sector in Malaysia

scholarly journals CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM CONTRACTING ENTERPRISES IN KLANG VALLEY MALAYSIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Wah-Peng Lee ◽  
Tien-Choon Toh ◽  
Yoke-Lian Lew ◽  
Sin-Huai Khor ◽  
Kai-Chen Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Employment Growth ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Fiscal And Monetary Policy ◽  
Valley Area

This study investigates the issues constraining the growth of small and medium-scale contracting firms, which can, in turn, reflect the small and medium-scale contractors’ needs that are corresponding to the needs or supports required by small and medium-scale contractors. The purpose of this study is to help SMCEs realise their own needs and also to assist government and policymakers to discover the approaches that should be executed and allocate scarce resources to the critical parts through needs identification and appraisal. A closed-ended questionnaire survey was deployed and the responses collected only reflect the construction players that are currently working in CIDB registered Grade 1 to Grade 6 contracting enterprises in the Klang Valley area. Five critical needs were identified through factor analysis. They are technical and technological needs, job accessibility needs, favourable fiscal and monetary policy needs, business development needs, and anti-corruption needs. Besides, this study reveals that the success of SMCEs can be perceived in the aspects of their business growth, profit growth and employment growth. Research studies on this topic are limited in the Malaysian construction industry. Therefore, this study provides guidance and references for SMCEs and policymakers concerning the capacity building needs and how their successes can be achieved so that SMCEs can be assisted in a way that they are capable to build their capabilities in today’s construction sector in Malaysia.

LATE AND NON-PAYMENTS ISSUES IN THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: PERSPECTIVE OF BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Mohd Fisal Ishak ◽  
Kartina Alauddin ◽  
Mohd Shahrol Hafiz Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Building Material ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Management Team ◽  
Flow Management ◽  
Cash Flow Management ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Klang Valley

Payment in the Malaysian construction industry has generally been an issue of concern. Late and non-payment problem is endemic in construction and needs to be addressed. The aim of this study is to investigate the issues related to late and non-payment based on the building materials suppliers’ perspective. Questionnaires were distributed to suppliers of building materials in the Klang Valley. Findings from the study shows the main cause of late and non-payment is the paymaster’s poor financial management while the main effect of late and non-payment is problem with the cash flow.  The most recommended possible solution to cope with the issue is for the paymaster to conduct training on financial and cash flow management to the management team in the company.  

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