Construction Waste: Key Causes and Reduction Approaches

Title

Construction Waste: Key Causes and Reduction Approaches

Creator

Roy, Ron V.; Beulah, M.

Description

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global waste, with Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste comprising a substantial portion. This paper investigates the key causes and reduction approaches. Key sources of waste include material offcuts, packaging, and unused materials due to excess procurement or design changes. Factors that exacerbate waste include inadequate project planning, poor site management, and insufficient worker training. Economic factors often favor new materials over recycled ones due to cost and time concerns. Rapid urbanization and redevelopment further escalate C&D waste as older buildings are demolished for new construction. Technological advancements and innovative methods, such as prefabrication and modular construction, have the potential to reduce waste generation. However, traditional construction practices and resistance to change impede widespread adoption. This paper highlights the urgent need for integrated waste management strategies, emphasizing the roles of policy, education, and technology in reducing C&D waste. Sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, improving on-site waste segregation, and adopting circular economy principles, are crucial for minimizing the environmental impact of construction activities. Addressing these factors is essential for achieving sustainability in the construction industry and supporting global environmental conservation efforts. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.

Source

Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering;Volume;738 LNCE;pp.53-62

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

Subject

Environmental impact; Material efficiency; Resource conservation; Sustainable construction; urban development; Waste generation factors

Coverage

Roy R.V., Christ University, Bangalore, India; Beulah M., Christ University, Bangalore, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 23662557; ISBN: 978-981951494-6;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Conference paper

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-1495-3_5

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105021806132?origin=resultslist