Adoptability of zero waste Lankan construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry, being the largest industry, it generates massive quantities of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. In order to eliminate C&D waste, the Zero waste concept emerged as a potential solution. Although, Construction Waste Management (COWAM) project is available for manage C&D waste in Sri Lanka, there is a lack of studies to manage C&D waste management. Thus, this study focuses on elimination of C&D waste from construction industry by applying zero waste concept. To achieve the ultimate aim of the study, four (04) objectives were developed. First objective is to review the concepts of C&D waste, Zero waste and current C&D waste management in the construction industry while the second objective is to examine enablers and barriers to apply zero waste concept in Sri Lankan construction industry. Third objective is to propose suitable suggestions to minimize the identified barriers and the final objective is to develop a framework to apply the zero waste concept in Sri Lankan construction industry. To achieve the objectives, comprehensive literature survey was carried out. Further, qualitative research approach was followed and eight (08) case studies were used to collect data. Semi structured interviews, document review and observations were carried out in the selected eight case studies. To analyse the collected data, individual case analysis and cross case analysis were followed. Through the case study findings, composition of C&D waste, origins and causes of C&D waste, current C&D waste management procedure, strategies, enablers, barriers and suggestion to apply zero waste concept in the Sri Lankan context were identified. Finally, all the collected data was harmonized into one place and a framework was developed to apply zero waste concept in the Sri Lankan construction industry.