BENEFITS OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE MINIMIZATION

BENEFITS OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE MINIMIZATION

Construction projects offer unique challenges in the case of waste minimization (Hoe, 2006). Since there is difference in each project in construction industry, each project generating its own unique wastes, the production manager must be creative and flexible in finding ways to recycle, reuse or reduce the various types of wastes generated (Hoe, 2006).

According to Hoe (2006), managing construction waste can constitute a significant cost to the project. Some wastes require perhaps expensive handling techniques and careful consideration during the process of constructing. Construction industry can thus benefit in a number of ways from reducing the amount of waste it needs to dispose of after construction. Waste minimization consideration can generate advantages such as financial benefit and environmental benefits (Al-Moghany, 2006; Poon and Jailon, 2002).

1. Financial Benefits
Waste minimization in some cases can even save time and as well provide financial benefit. The financial benefits can be benefited over a long term or short-term period. But the overall, cost benefits can be benefited throughout the whole building through the process of carrying out an analysis of the life cycle costs. The financial benefits include:

• Reduction in transportation costs for waste materials (less transportation cost because of less wasted materials). This transportation include to and from the site and disposal.
• Reduction in disposal costs of materials waste.
• Decrease in purchase quantity and price of raw materials by waste minimization.
• Decrease in purchase price of new materials when reuse and recycling are considered (depending on materials).
• By selling waste materials to be reused and recycled increase in return can be achieved.

Long term benefits are achieved by optimizing the building life concept, through avoiding expenses from demolition and construction of new buildings (Al-Moghany, 2006; Poon and Jailon, 2002). The use of recycled materials has reduced storage costs of waste and the dereliction of land has been minimized (Al-Moghany, 2006). Sometimes, reuse and recycling may not always be financially feasible, therfore other considerations should be put in place such as environmental benefits (Al-Moghany, 2006).

2. Environmental Benefits

Environmental benefits can also be through waste minimization, environmental factors are important factors to be considered due to the alarming situation of materials waste on construction sites (Al-Moghany, 2006; Poon and Jailon, 2002).

The environmental benefits are as follows:

• Reduction in quantity of waste generated.
• Efficient use of the generated waste.
• Environmental effects as a result of disposal is greatly reduced, e.g. noise, pollution.
• Transportation cost of waste to be disposed of is reduced (therefore causing less noise, vehicle emission pollution, and energy used).