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Beyond Construction Waste Management: A Systematic Review of Strategies for the Avoidance and Minimisation of Construction and Demolition Waste in Australia

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  • Emma Heffernan

    (School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney, Wilkinson Building, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Leela Kempton

    (Sustainable Buildings Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Building 237, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, Fairy Meadow, Wollongong, NSW 2519, Australia)

Abstract

The construction sector is responsible for over 40% of waste generated in Australia. Construction materials are responsible for around 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and a third of these materials can end up wasted on a construction site. Attention in research and industry has been directed towards waste management and recycling, resulting in 78% of construction and demolition waste being diverted from landfill. However, the waste hierarchy emphasises avoiding the generation of waste in the first place. In this paper, the PRISMA approach is used to conduct a systematic review with the objective of identifying waste reduction strategies employed across all stages of projects in the Australian construction industry. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used. The search returned 523 publications which were screened and reviewed; this resulted in 24 relevant publications from 1998 to 2025. Qualitative analysis identifies strategies categorised into five groupings: pre-demolition, design, culture, materials and procurement, and on-site activities. The review finds a distinct focus on strategies within the materials and procurement category. The reviewed literature includes fewer strategies for the avoidance of waste than for any of the other levels of the waste hierarchy, evidencing the need for further focus in this area.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7095-:d:1718003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Benson Teck Heng Lim & Bee Lan Oo & Charlie McLeod & Pengqi Yang, 2024. "Institutional and Actor Network Perspectives of Waste Management in Australia: Is the Construction Industry Prepared for a Circular Economy?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-21, January.
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    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. Salman Shooshtarian & Tayyab Maqsood & Peter SP Wong & Malik Khalfan & Rebecca J. Yang, 2021. "Extended Producer Responsibility in the Australian Construction Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-20, January.
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