Applicability of zero waste concept to the Sri Lankan construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry, being the largest industry, it generates massive quantities of Construction and Demolition waste (CDW). Generation of CDW leads to issues related to environmental pollution, adverse health issues, economic issues, social issues, and undesirable landfill creations. Strategies such as the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and waste hierarchy are followed in the construction industry for CDW management. Although such strategies are applied to manage the CDW, CDW management is still in a primary stage. In order to eliminate CDW, the Zero waste concept emerged as a potential solution. Although, Construction Waste Management (COWAM) project is available for manage CDW in Sri Lanka, there is a lack of studies to manage C&D waste management. Thus, this study focuses on elimination of CDW from construction industry by applying zero waste concept. To achieve the ultimate aim of the study, comprehensive literature survey was carried out by referring to the existing findings on CDW definitions, origins and causes for CDW generation, composition of CDW, impacts of CDW, strategies, enablers, barriers and zero waste concept. Further, qualitative research approach was followed and eight 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, cross case analysis was followed. Through the case study findings, composition of CDW, origins and causes of CDW, current CDW 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.