Design Decision-Making for Construction Waste Minimisation: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The escalating pace of construction activities has triggered a concerning surge in waste accumulation, underscoring the urgent need for the construction industry to prioritise environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Research indicates that construction waste (CW) from a typical building project can comprise a substantial 30% of the total weight of materials transported to the site. Significantly, one-third of this waste could be avoided through judicious decision-making in the design phase. While waste management during construction has gained substantial attention in the existing literature, the domain of decision-making in the design stage remains relatively unexplored. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of 59 articles from 2011 to 2022. The findings emphasise the crucial role of informed decision-making processes in minimising CW during building projects. A conceptual framework emerges from the analysis, highlighting the necessity of establishing a foundation for design decision-making to tackle CW issues effectively. Collaborative networks among stakeholders and an enhanced supply chain, bolstered by robust information sharing, are identified as pivotal factors in improving CW minimisation efforts. Consequently, this study advocates for further research to expand the knowledge base in this vital area, underscoring the imperative for collective efforts in advancing sustainable practices within the construction industry.