Integrated construction waste management, a holistic approach

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to depict an inclusive Construction Waste Management (CWM) plan looking at the total project life cycle. This holistic approach is called Integrated Construction Waste Management (ICWM). This research program has been conducted through several consecutive academic dissertations at Civil Engineering Department of SUT and was firstly aimed to identify waste sources throughout project life cycle. Concurrent research efforts were focused on project delivery methods evaluation, e.g. contract type effect on waste generation amount along with appropriate guidelines/incentives development that could promote ICMW. These studies were conducted via field observations and questionnaire surveys where respondents were educated, skilled, and experienced construction industry experts. The research findings indicate that construction waste origins/processes should be determined separately during the life cycle of construction projects to devise exclusive solutions accordingly. Furthermore, cost-plus contract, which is common in local residential projects in Iran, is identified as an improper contract type from construction waste generation standpoint. Incentive based programs, project stakeholders training, salvage plan establishing for all materials before project initiation, and apt documentation for future CWM planning are identified as effective/practical ICWM solutions. Finally, it is concluded that thriving ICWM is going to be a teamwork result rather than responsibility of a sole stakeholder, e.g. contractor.