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Experts’ Perceptions of the Management and Minimisation of Waste in the Australian Construction Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Israt Jahan

    (School of Engineering, RMIT University, P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

  • Guomin Zhang

    (School of Engineering, RMIT University, P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

  • Muhammed Bhuiyan

    (School of Engineering, RMIT University, P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

  • Satheeskumar Navaratnam

    (School of Engineering, RMIT University, P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

  • Long Shi

    (School of Engineering, RMIT University, P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

Abstract

Effective waste management has become a crucial factor in Australia because, from 1996 to 2015, the population increased by 28%, while Australia’s annual waste increased by 170%. In the period 2018–2019, Australia generated 27 Mt of construction demolition waste (44% of all waste). Although 76% of this waste is recycled, there has been a 61% increase in the rate of waste since 2006–2007. Therefore, minimising waste and prioritising waste management are necessary to build a circular economy. This study aims to identify the current waste minimisation perceptions in the Australian construction industry. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 50 industry experts focusing on four sectors (design/planning, building information modelling (BIM), material logistics, and prefabrication). The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively (Severity index). The result disclosed that the designers are the first contributor to waste minimisation, followed by the material suppliers/manufacturers. It is revealed that subjective attitude and the personal reluctance to exercise waste mitigation strategies are crucial. The outcome also indicated that BIM has the potential to minimise waste significantly. Overall, 15 key points were highlighted to consider for waste minimisation, and a conceptual framework was proposed. Therefore, identifying waste management’s current practices and the responsibility of industry personnel will help minimise waste and bring sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Israt Jahan & Guomin Zhang & Muhammed Bhuiyan & Satheeskumar Navaratnam & Long Shi, 2022. "Experts’ Perceptions of the Management and Minimisation of Waste in the Australian Construction Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:18:p:11319-:d:910856
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rabia Charef & Jean-Claude Morel & Kambiz Rakhshan, 2021. "Barriers to Implementing the Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-18, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Prin Boonkanit & Kridchai Suthiluck, 2023. "Developing a Decision-Making Support System for a Smart Construction and Demolition Waste Transition to a Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-27, June.
    2. Emma Heffernan & Leela Kempton, 2025. "Beyond Construction Waste Management: A Systematic Review of Strategies for the Avoidance and Minimisation of Construction and Demolition Waste in Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-23, August.
    3. Muhammad Usman Shahid & Majid Ali, 2025. "Enablers and Policy Framework for Construction Waste Minimization Under Circular Economy: Stakeholder Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-26, May.
    4. Lachlan Curmi & Kumudu Kaushalya Weththasinghe & Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq, 2022. "Global Policy Review on Embodied Flows: Recommendations for Australian Construction Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-19, November.
    5. Fangxin Li & Julian Pratama Putra Thedja & Sung-Han Sim & Joon-Oh Seo & Min-Koo Kim, 2023. "Range Image-Aided Edge Line Estimation for Dimensional Inspection of Precast Bridge Slab Using Point Cloud Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-21, August.

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