From grave-to-cradle: quality assurance system for the demolition waste management

Abstract

The recent decade has witnessed significant demolition waste (DW) due to rapid urbanisation in many economies. Transforming from the traditional linear supply chains into a circular arrangement while thinking from ‘grave-to-cradle’ is a value-adding approach to managing DW effectively. Consequently, the concept of ‘reverse logistics supply chains (RLSC)’ has captured the attention of the construction industry. However, the poor quality of re-processed products has hindered the successful adoption of RLSC in the construction industry. Therefore, this study examines aspects of the quality assurance system needed for RLSC to manage DW effectively and efficiently. The study used a qualitative approach, including 20 semi-structured interviews with internal stakeholders of the RLSC of DW. The study empirically confirmed that the RLSC of DW should embrace an integrated system for QA, including four aspects: process, people, policy, and technology. Under process for QA, standard practices are to be undertaken separately during building dismantling and off-site waste processing stages. While people in RLSC are skilful, competent, licensed, supervised and monitored, internal and external organisational policies should also be available for QA. Besides, espousing traditional practices with innovative technologies is also imperative for QA in RLSC of DW. The study makes a significant contribution by empirically proving that an integrated system of process, people, policy and technology is needed for QA in RLSC of DW. The developed quality assurance system provides useful insights for industry practitioners about the aspects that they should embrace in enforcing QA throughout the transformation from ‘grave-to-cradle’ in the construction industry.