Hassan, N M and Alashwal, A (2025) Developing a model for the implementation of designing out waste in construction. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 21(1), pp. 154-170. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Waste mitigation is recognised as the most effective strategy for managing construction and demolition waste. Designing out Waste (DoW) is an approach aimed at reducing waste during construction and demolition by improving project planning and design. Despite its recognition, limited research has been conducted on the factors influencing the implementation of DoW in construction. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on DoW practices, barriers, and enablers from 76 construction practitioners in New South Wales, Australia. A model was developed and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate a significant relationship between DoW practices and two key barriers: Design-related Barriers and Lack of Experience and Skills. The results also show a significant relationship between Enablers and DoW. Three significant enabling variables identified in this study, which are good communication and coordination, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and utilisation of prefabrication, precast and 3D printing. However, no moderating influence of the enablers was identified in the relationship between the barriers and DoW practices. Through the developed model, this research provides insights into implementing DoW in construction by addressing multifaceted barriers and implementing interventions for effective waste reduction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Australia; construction waste management; designing out waste; PLS-SEM; waste mitigation |
| Index terms: | coordination, construction waste, prefabrication, implementation, building information modelling, Australia, questionnaire, New South Wales, mitigation, project planning, partial least square, waste reduction, 3D printing, construction practitioner, survey, construction and demolition, strategy, structural equation modelling |
| Subjects: | building construction, Geography, financial risk, sustainability assessment, contractual arrangements, waste management, manufacturing, information systems, statistical analysis, professional development, management, control systems, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Procurement, Sustainability, Project Management, Geographical Context, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Organizational Design, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here