Construction is an industry that has significant impacts on the environment, and waste generation is a major issue. The amount of waste generated during construction activities is enormous, and if not managed properly, it can have adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, it is essential to adopt sustainable waste management practices that reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of construction activities. In this article, we will discuss the best practices and strategies for waste management in construction.
There are almost 152 developing nations in the world. From a construction perspective, developing nations are constantly constructing roads, building skyscrapers, and working on many other different types of projects. Since countries are constantly building new things and demolishing older ones, the process generates a lot of waste. Not only demolishing the older ones but constructing new buildings also produces a lot of waste and requires to be managed properly. All the waste which is generated needs to be managed as this world is on the brink of global warming, air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, deforestation.
The world is constantly exploiting the renewable or non-renewable resources of the earth and is putting the lives of other species as well as of us humans under a severe threat. That is why the idea of sustainable development consists of using products that are reusable. For any country that invests in building infrastructure, 60% of the total amount invested goes alone to the construction. If we talk about commercial construction alone 2-2.5 pounds of solid waste is generated per square foot.
This huge amount of waste needs to be managed properly otherwise will end up harming the world environment. Many Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have achieved quite success in waste management. They are recycling and processing almost 98-99% of the construction and demolition waste generated.
Construction activities generate a significant amount of waste, which includes concrete, bricks, wood, steel, plastics, and other materials. Improper management of this waste can lead to adverse environmental effects such as soil and water pollution, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable waste management practices help to reduce waste generation, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of construction activities.
Despite the benefits of sustainable waste management practices in construction, several challenges and barriers exist, including:
There are many different types of waste generated on construction sites however in this post we are going to discuss three (3) kinds of wastes at the construction sites:
When we order materials more than actually required, it is generally wasted at the construction sites and sometimes the companies recycle or sell the material.
Sometimes materials at the construction site get damaged and this generates waste at the completion of construction.
If we are to demolish the already existing structure it is considered demolished waste.
At the construction, there are as much wastes as there were materials at the time of building the structure. Some of them are as below:
To achieve sustainable waste management in construction, several best practices can be adopted, including:
Source reduction involves reducing waste generation at the source by using fewer materials and generating less waste. This can be achieved by designing buildings and structures that use sustainable materials and are energy-efficient.
Recycling and reusing construction waste help to conserve resources and reduce waste generation. Materials such as wood, steel, and concrete can be recycled and used in other construction projects.
Proper disposal of construction waste is essential to minimize the environmental impact of construction activities. Hazardous waste should be disposed of in compliance with regulations, and non-hazardous waste should be disposed of in landfills or recycling centers.
Construction waste management plans outline strategies for reducing waste generation and managing waste during construction activities. These plans should be developed before the start of construction and should involve all stakeholders, including contractors, designers, and project managers. The plan should identify the types of waste generated, the methods of waste reduction, and the disposal methods for different types of waste.
Using sustainable materials such as recycled and locally sourced materials can reduce the environmental impact of construction activities. These materials are typically produced with fewer resources and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional materials.
In addition to the best practices mentioned above, several strategies can be adopted to achieve sustainable waste management in construction, including:
Material efficiency involves using fewer materials during construction activities. This can be achieved by designing buildings and structures that use sustainable materials and are energy-efficient. For example, using prefabricated building components can reduce waste generation and improve material efficiency.
Design for deconstruction involves designing buildings and structures that can be easily disassembled and reused or recycled at the end of their lifespan. This approach promotes the use of sustainable materials and reduces waste generation.
Off-site fabrication involves prefabricating building components in a controlled environment before transporting them to the construction site. This approach reduces waste generation and improves material efficiency.
Waste to energy involves converting waste materials into energy through incineration or other thermal treatment methods. This approach can reduce waste generation and provide a source of renewable energy.
Green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) provide guidelines for sustainable construction practices, including waste management.
Sustainable waste management practices offer several benefits, including:
Sustainable waste management practices in construction have several benefits, including reducing the environmental impact of construction activities, conserving natural resources, improving air and water quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The types of waste generated in construction include concrete, wood, metals, plastics, and hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead.
Construction waste can be recycled and reused in several ways, such as using recycled concrete for new construction projects, salvaging wood for use in furniture and other products, and recycling metals and plastics for use in other industries.
Construction waste management plans are strategies for reducing waste generation and managing waste during construction activities. These plans involve identifying the types of waste generated, the methods of waste reduction, and the disposal methods for different types of waste.
Green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) provide guidelines for sustainable construction practices, including waste management. These certifications promote the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and other sustainable practices in construction.
Sustainable waste management practices are crucial for reducing the environmental impact of construction activities. The construction industry generates significant amounts of waste, and it is essential to adopt sustainable practices such as source reduction, recycling, and proper disposal to minimize this impact. Strategies such as material efficiency, design for deconstruction, off-site fabrication, waste to energy, and green building certifications can help to achieve sustainable waste management in construction. However, several challenges and barriers exist, including lack of awareness, lack of incentives, regulatory barriers, and cost. By addressing these challenges and adopting sustainable waste management practices, the construction industry can help to build a greener future.
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