Achieving Sustainability in the UK Construction by Reducing Waste Generation

The construction industry in the United Kingdom has been the highest contributor to construction waste (62%) as compared to other sectors. Such waste has a direct impact on the environment and causes poor air quality, increases CO2 emissions, etc. The reduction of waste will play important part in achieving the environmental and economic sustainability in this important sector. According to Defra statistics, the UK is producing an average of 110 million tonnes of construction waste every year since 2010. While EU aims to reduce the construction, demolition and excavation waste (CD&E) by up to 70% by 2020. This paper will identify and discuss the key factors that contribute to the generation of construction waste. Relevant data was collected from different construction sites. The data was then analysed by assessing the site waste management, material procurement, material management, material usage and wastage, in addition to the average amount of waste transported and the volume of re-used materials. For economic and environmental perspectives, the reduction of the maximum amount of waste from any construction project will contribute to: • Decreased removal and landfill taxes, • Reduced labour cost for the transportation of waste, and • Minimising waste going to landfill will benefit the environment efficient waste disposal. The findings of this research project will help better understanding of the major factors that can reduce the construction waste within the forecasted targets and contribute towards achieving sustainability in construction waste management.