Construction industry is a major contributor of negative impact to the environment. Estimation of construction waste amount is crucial for implementing waste minimization program. Estimation of construction waste amou...Construction industry is a major contributor of negative impact to the environment. Estimation of construction waste amount is crucial for implementing waste minimization program. Estimation of construction waste amount generated is a mean in assessing the potential for waste reduction. Decision-making should be based on quantified measurements expressed in numerical terms to effectively minimize waste produced. A better understanding of C&D waste generation in terms of causes and sources can be achieved. Lack of benchmarking will hinder the implementation of more sustainable practices in the industry. The aim of this paper is to establish benchmarks on construction waste generation rate in Klang Valley (greater Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia using appropriate waste quantification method. Nine projects in Klang Valley constructed between 2006-2010 have been selected for this study, which include residential and commercial building projects conducted by a wide range of contractors employing conventional and IBS systems. Wastage level and waste index approaches had been employed in this study as tools for quantifying waste and also for environmental assessment. Types of waste that generated at significant amount, such as concrete, timber, reinforcement bars, tiles, screeds, and plaster are considered. Other factors, such as waste management provision, Environmental Management System (EMS) employed, record-keeping, contractors' profile and other related policies are also assessed by conducting interviews with construction personnel. Based on the findings, overall site-management, size of project, and awareness of waste management among construction personnel are the most significant factors that contribute to construction waste generation. Currently, there is still relatively lack of waste minimization awareness among construction players in Malaysia as reflected by poor waste record-keeping, lack of waste sorting and recycling practice, low usage of IBS systems, and lack of supports from top management, clients, and authorities. The roles of construction authorities are essential in achieving the desired benchmark in waste generation rate for Malaysian context. Construction authorities as the policy maker and enforcer could develop and issue new regulations or incentives to stimulate and encourage waste management practices and the use of green building technology, establishing formally standardized systems in record-keeping of quantitative data, introduce useful guidelines and measures, conduct education and training to achieve sustainability and better environmental awareness among Malaysian construction players.展开更多
文摘Construction industry is a major contributor of negative impact to the environment. Estimation of construction waste amount is crucial for implementing waste minimization program. Estimation of construction waste amount generated is a mean in assessing the potential for waste reduction. Decision-making should be based on quantified measurements expressed in numerical terms to effectively minimize waste produced. A better understanding of C&D waste generation in terms of causes and sources can be achieved. Lack of benchmarking will hinder the implementation of more sustainable practices in the industry. The aim of this paper is to establish benchmarks on construction waste generation rate in Klang Valley (greater Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia using appropriate waste quantification method. Nine projects in Klang Valley constructed between 2006-2010 have been selected for this study, which include residential and commercial building projects conducted by a wide range of contractors employing conventional and IBS systems. Wastage level and waste index approaches had been employed in this study as tools for quantifying waste and also for environmental assessment. Types of waste that generated at significant amount, such as concrete, timber, reinforcement bars, tiles, screeds, and plaster are considered. Other factors, such as waste management provision, Environmental Management System (EMS) employed, record-keeping, contractors' profile and other related policies are also assessed by conducting interviews with construction personnel. Based on the findings, overall site-management, size of project, and awareness of waste management among construction personnel are the most significant factors that contribute to construction waste generation. Currently, there is still relatively lack of waste minimization awareness among construction players in Malaysia as reflected by poor waste record-keeping, lack of waste sorting and recycling practice, low usage of IBS systems, and lack of supports from top management, clients, and authorities. The roles of construction authorities are essential in achieving the desired benchmark in waste generation rate for Malaysian context. Construction authorities as the policy maker and enforcer could develop and issue new regulations or incentives to stimulate and encourage waste management practices and the use of green building technology, establishing formally standardized systems in record-keeping of quantitative data, introduce useful guidelines and measures, conduct education and training to achieve sustainability and better environmental awareness among Malaysian construction players.