Waste Generation Factors and Waste Minimisation in Construction

Abstract

The consistent growth of the construction sector during the last decades has generated massive waste that severely impacts the environment. Globally, construction activities generate around 30% of the overall waste annually, and the numbers are expected to increase due to population growth projections and the need for infrastructure developments. As a matter of fact, the causes of waste can be grouped into seven categories namely, design-related, procurement-related, human-related, handling and storage, site conditions, management-related, and due to other external factors, such as the effect of weather and accidents. In addition, construction waste types are influenced by project type, size, and construction method. To mitigate the impacts of construction waste, a plethora of practices have been recommended, including innovations for procurement, design, and construction. The present study scrutinises potential opportunities for minimising construction waste and proposes future sustainability enhancement related to construction activities. A pivotal contribution of this study is the creation of a matrix that links the identified causes of construction waste with sustainability practices, offering a comprehensive insight for effectively reducing waste and enhancing the sustainability of construction activities.