Resources Conservation and Waste Management Practices in Construction Industry

Abstract

Changing people’s wasteful behaviour can make a significant contribution for sustainable growth.  This is because wastes are often hazardous in nature thereby making them potentially hazardous to human health and/or the environment. Sustainable livelihood within the environment where the presence of wastes has become a phenomenon makes efforts at addressing this menace a central issue.  In the light of this, a strategic solid waste resource management planning approach has been identified as capable of enhancing plausible solutions to take care of its menace.  Such planning has to take into cognizance a comprehensive strategy that can remain flexible in light of changing economic, social, material (products and packaging) and environmental conditions.  In relation to the present study, the need for resource conservation in order to minimise the rate of waste generation is being emphasized.  The necessity of this revolves around the environmental benefits inherent in such efforts and economic gains it will bestow on the construction industry and other stakeholders within the society.  This paper investigates the management of wastes generated from construction and demolition activities that has wide-ranging impacts on the environment. Waste management is perceived as a low project priority, and there is an absence of appropriate resources and incentives support it. A theory of waste behaviour is proposed for the construction industry, and recommendations are made to help managers improve workers’ attitudes towards waste.

Keyword: Resource Conservation, Waste Management, Construction Industry