Search results

1 – 10 of 576
Article
Publication date: 25 October 2021

Ann T.W. Yu, Kelvin S.H. Mok and Irene Wong

The capacity of landfills will reach saturation in the 2020s. There are more than 50,000 buildings in Hong Kong over 30 years old and which may require extensive refurbishment…

Abstract

Purpose

The capacity of landfills will reach saturation in the 2020s. There are more than 50,000 buildings in Hong Kong over 30 years old and which may require extensive refurbishment under the Mandatory Building Scheme. Additionally, most new owners/tenants tend to renovate their premises before moving in. Hence, there is an urgent need in Hong Kong, to explore strategies and measures to enable the development of effective refurbishment and renovation (R&R) waste management for such projects. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the process of R&R for identifying the perceived barriers and thereby the strategies for minimisation and management of R&R waste in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

Desktop study, semi-structured interviews, site observations and document reviews were used as the data collection methods to achieve the objectives of this research. Considering the nature and characteristics of the industry structure, the snowball sampling process was deployed for data collection. Thematic analysis and content analysis were used for data analysis. Waste minimisation and management strategies for R&R projects were then discussed and developed by the research team and a focus group meeting was held to validate the research findings. Six strategies were then proposed to the government.

Findings

R&R projects contribute 10–20% of the construction and demolition waste. The barriers to recycling of R&R waste can be grouped into six major categories: (1) lack of sorting and storage spaces, (2) high cost, (3) insufficient government supporting policy, (4) complicated recycling processes, (5) immature recycling market and (6) insufficient public education. Also, six strategies are proposed in this study, which include (1) pre-refurbishment audit, (2) development of recycling market, (3) sea reclamation, (4) incineration, (5) government support and (6) education and research.

Originality/value

The strategies and measures proposed in this research could most adequately serve as reference for the government officials, building professionals and academic researchers. Such knowledge would make possible the development of effective strategies and measures for minimising and managing R&R waste.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2007

Vivian W.Y. Tam, L.Y. Shen, Ivan W.H. Fung and J.Y. Wang

Owing to limited space, reducing the waste going to landfills has become a pressing issue in Hong Kong. As most of the solid waste was generated from construction activity, the…

2497

Abstract

Purpose

Owing to limited space, reducing the waste going to landfills has become a pressing issue in Hong Kong. As most of the solid waste was generated from construction activity, the Hong Kong Government has instituted a number of measures aimed at reducing waste from this source. However, it appears that the application of these measures has been of limited effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of implementing regulatory measures for reducing construction waste in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used for the analysis are from a survey to construction professionals in the local industry by means of questionnaire, interview discussions and case studies. The survey examined the commitments and responsibilities imposed on project participants for implementing seven major regulatory waste management controlling measures: legislative controls; controlling public filling facilities; controlling landfill areas; providing on‐site sorting facilities; implantation of a environmental management system; implementation of a waste management framework plan; and implementing recycling scheme.

Findings

The results of the investigation illustrate that legal commitments have been mainly allocated to contractors. Insufficient commitments and responsibilities are allocated to other project participants such as project clients, designers and consultants. The study has also found that existing waste control ordinances allow for skewed distribution of commitments and responsibilities of controlling construction waste among project stakeholders. The results demonstrate that there is need for a balanced allocation of responsibilities and commitments among all project stakeholders.

Originality/value

Revision and further development of legal measures are necessary to ensure that all project stakeholders play an active role and share commitments in waste control and reduction. This research provides references for studying construction waste management in other construction industries.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2019

Abdullahi Babatunde Saka, Fatai Oladayo Olaore and Timothy Oluwatosin Olawumi

This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of quantity surveyors in material management and their key roles in waste minimization during the post-contract stage of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of quantity surveyors in material management and their key roles in waste minimization during the post-contract stage of the project with a view of achieving value for money in their roles.

Design/methodology/approach

This involves administering a questionnaire survey to registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the only recognized professional body of quantity surveyors in Nigeria, within Lagos state. The empirical questionnaire survey succeeds a literature review that isolates the key strategies used by quantity surveyors in material management and waste minimization at the post-contract stage. The validity of the questionnaire was carried out by two experienced construction industry researchers and three experienced professional quantity surveyors to ensure that the questionnaire was not ambiguous and that it consists of the right questions in tandem with the research. The respondents were grouped into consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS.

Findings

Key roles of quantity surveyors during the material management process are proper material storage, and material inventory and accounting are the most important material management and waste minimization practices during the institute stage. It revealed that there is a lack of material waste documentation practices during the construction stage. In addition, there is no statistically significant difference in the responses of the two groups. This may be because there is no clear compartmentalization between the practices of the two groups. In addition, these two groups had the same education training, as there is no difference between the educational training of the consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS.

Originality/value

This study assessed the quantity surveyors’ roles with regard to material management and waste minimization. It would add to the scanty research work in this area. The study has also successfully revealed the strategies that are to be adopted by the quantity surveyors to achieve value for money during the post-contract stage.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2003

Zhen Chen, Heng Li and Conrad T.C. Wong

Although the Trip‐ticket System (TTS) has been implemented to manage construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Hong Kong for over three years, problems still exist in the…

Abstract

Although the Trip‐ticket System (TTS) has been implemented to manage construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Hong Kong for over three years, problems still exist in the landfill disposal of the C&D waste. For example, it is reported that fees are difficult to collect from waste transporters for tipping the C&D waste at the landfill site. Based on an examination of the flexibility of the TTS, this paper proposes an e‐commerce model, namely the Webfill system, in order to enhance the TTS. The computational structure of the Webfill system is described and the usefulness of Webfill is evaluated based on a simulation which provides a direct comparison between the existing TTS and the Webfill‐enhanced TTS.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

C.S. Poon, Ann T.W. Yu and L.H. Ng

Hong Kong is running out of both reclamation sites and landfill space for the disposal of construction and demolition waste. This paper reports on the findings of a study…

3257

Abstract

Hong Kong is running out of both reclamation sites and landfill space for the disposal of construction and demolition waste. This paper reports on the findings of a study, consisting of a questionnaire survey, interviews and work‐site visits, to compare the use of low‐waste building technologies in public housing and private residential projects in Hong Kong. The results show that large panel formwork and prefabricated building components are widely used in public housing projects in Hong Kong. Due to the difference of the design with public housing, the use of smaller aluminium panel formwork is more common in the private housing projects. The barriers for the adoption of low‐waste building technologies in the private sector are identified and discussed.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2007

Vivian W.Y. Tam, C.M. Tam and William C.Y. Ng

The use of prefabrication has been considered as one of the most effective waste minimization methods in the construction context; however, the industry has found difficulties to…

5769

Abstract

Purpose

The use of prefabrication has been considered as one of the most effective waste minimization methods in the construction context; however, the industry has found difficulties to implement it. Contractors lack experience in using prefabrication and they do not know how to implement prefabrication to their projects effectively. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study on the implementation of prefabrication in the context of different project types and procurement approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines possible project types and procurement methods to maximally gain benefits of using prefabricated building components. A questionnaire survey and structured interviews have been conducted.

Findings

From the results, it should be noted that residential projects and design and build procurement methods are the most effective project types and procurement methods, respectively, in using prefabrication. In the interview discussion, one of the governmental employees highlighted that about 65 percent of projects are residential projects. The high supply of residential housing suits fast population growth in Hong Kong. The interviewee also explained that shortening construction period is one of the main goals in their projects. Furthermore, an interviewed main contractor highlighted that the involvement of contractors at the early design stage in a project can bring advantages in considering construction methods before project commencement on site and to improve project constructability. An interviewed subcontractor also explained that the involvement of construction organizations in the design stage can effectively improve the use of prefabrication in major activities including concreting, plastering and formworking, rather than wet‐trade construction activities. Therefore, the use of standardized designs and prefabricated building components are highly encouraged.

Originality/value

This brings early considerations and suggestions to project parties to improve prefabrication implementation. The effects of prefabrication implementation are also considered.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2011

Hongping Yuan, Liyin Shen and Jiayuan Wang

The generation of construction and demolition waste in China is a pressing need to be minimized in order to alleviate the environmental burden. The effectiveness of implementing…

4358

Abstract

Purpose

The generation of construction and demolition waste in China is a pressing need to be minimized in order to alleviate the environmental burden. The effectiveness of implementing construction and demolition waste management in this economy, however, is very limited due to various barriers. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the major obstacles to managing construction and demolition waste in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The views from Chinese practitioners were collected via a questionnaire survey. The respondents were invited to rate a total of 16 obstacles that hinder the effective implementation of construction and demolition waste management as gleaned from previous literature and six semi‐structured interviews. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed by ranking analysis and factor analysis.

Findings

The findings show that “lack of a well‐developed waste recycling market”, “insufficient regulation support” andwaste reduction does not receive sufficient attention in construction design” are perceived as the three barriers of most importance. Furthermore, the 16 obstacles could be grouped into five underlying components including: component 1 – weak awareness and inadequate training, component 2 – insufficient support of the authority, component 3 – economic consideration, component 4 – immature market and component 5 – barriers related to site activity.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, industry practitioners' understandings about the barriers to better performing construction and demolition waste management in China can be deepened. Furthermore, the results also provide useful information for developing strategies to improve the performance of construction and demolition waste management in China.

Originality/value

Major obstacles to improving the performance of construction and demolition waste management in China are identified and analyzed in this study.

Details

Facilities, vol. 29 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2008

Jia‐Yuan Wang, Xiang‐Ping Kang and Vivian Wing‐Yan Tam

This paper aims to analyze on‐site production and sources of construction wastes through data obtained from a detailed questionnaire survey and structured interviews conducted in…

2249

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze on‐site production and sources of construction wastes through data obtained from a detailed questionnaire survey and structured interviews conducted in Shenzhen.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate the compositions of these construction waste and their sources. One hundred and ten copies are sent to governmental officers, designers, engineers, and contractors, and 84 responses are received, in which the respondent rate is about 76.4 percent.

Findings

According to the survey results, concrete, cement, brick, timber, tile, steel, and aluminum wastes are the main waste sources produced on construction sites. The sources of these wastes are varied. Suggestions to improve the existing waste situation are also discussed.

Originality/value

Various types of construction wastes are generated during construction activities. Expansion of construction wastes not only represents an enormous dissipation of resources but also results in serious environmental pollution, thus creating negative effects to the sustainable development of environmental industry and society. With the developing of economy and industry, waste problems have become more serious in recent years; therefore, waste management is becoming a pressing issue.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2007

J.L. Hao, M.J. Hills and T. Huang

As construction and demolition(C&D) waste is one of the main solid waste generators in Hong Kong, its impact on the environment has become an imperative issue to the involved…

4559

Abstract

Purpose

As construction and demolition(C&D) waste is one of the main solid waste generators in Hong Kong, its impact on the environment has become an imperative issue to the involved stakeholders. Although, C&D waste management has been receiving increasing attention from stakeholders and researchers since the early 1980s, how to manage C&D waste efficiently and effectively is, however, still in its early stages. Past research on C&D waste management has mainly focused on the separate aspects of waste management including waste reduction, reuse, recycle and response. A new approach is made in this paper to improve C&D waste management.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation model is developed based on system dynamics methodology for strategic planning of C&D waste in Hong Kong by incorporating the relationship of major activities inherently involved in C&D waste management.

Findings

Finds that such an integrated simulation model will have the potential to assist decision makers and practitioners to better understand the complexity of information and processes involved in managing C&D waste throughout a project's life‐cycle.

Originality/value

This has shown that management of C&D waste can be facilitated by means of system dynamics to provide a better understanding of the dynamic interactions and interdependencies of the key areas of the C&D waste management process.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2023

Peng Nie, Kalani C. Dahanayake and Nipuni Sumanarathna

This paper aims to explore UAE's transition towards circular economy (CE) through construction and demolition waste (CDW) management in the pre-construction stage. The extent of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore UAE's transition towards circular economy (CE) through construction and demolition waste (CDW) management in the pre-construction stage. The extent of circularity is assessed by five key aspects of CE, such as policies and strategic frameworks, design for waste prevention, design for disassembly or deconstruction, use of prefabricated elements and CDW management plans.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case studies were conducted in the context of the Dubai construction industry (UAE). Three significant and unique construction projects were selected as the cases. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to collect data, and the thematic analysis technique and NVIVO 12 software were used for data analysis.

Findings

Findings reveal several positive initiatives towards CE in the UAE context; yet it is identified that the transition is still at the initial stage. Selected case studies, the best-case scenarios of UAE (i.e. influential cases), demonstrated adequate measures in relation to four key CE aspects out of five. For instance, (a) policies and strategic frameworks such as lean standards, green building standards and standards developed by the local authorities, (b) design for waste prevention (e.g. adherence to the 3R principle, and construction planning with BIM), (c) use of prefabricated elements and application of innovative construction technologies (e.g. 3DPC, DfMA) and (d) CDW management planning such as 3R principle were evident. However, the selected cases hardly showcase designing for disassembly or deconstruction.

Research limitations/implications

The existing CDW practices are mostly conventional, as most constructions in UAE are procured through conventional building materials and methods. Therefore, there is a necessity of encouraging CE principles in CDW management. Even though the transition towards CE was evident in four key CE aspects out of five, the UAE construction industry has yet to adopt more effective CE-based CDW management practices to accelerate the circularity. Hence, it is necessary to enforce standard waste management guidelines, including the 3R principle, to standardise CDW management in UAE and encourage construction practitioners to adhere to CE principles.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide valuable insights for decision-making processes around CDW management towards a CE. This paper contributes to the literature by bridging the CE concept with CDW management in the pre-construction stage. The study provides insights for industry practitioners for planning CE in terms of policies and strategic frameworks, CDW management planning, construction planning and application of innovative construction technologies.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

1 – 10 of 576