Abstract
Purpose: The uptake of reprocessed construction materials (RCMs) derived from demolition waste (DW) is limited, which questions the long-term sustainability of DW reverse logistics (RL). To address this gap, the current study focused on identifying informational and structural interventions to promote the uptake of RCMs among Australian construction professionals (CPs). Design/methodology/approach: Following a qualitative research approach with thirty-one semi-structured interviews, the study explored potential interventions that can drive broader RCM usage. The study's strength lies in the in-depth qualitative insights gathered through extensive interviews with CPs experienced in using RCMs. Findings: Sixteen informational and structural interventions to promote the uptake of RCMs were identified and mapped against the industry levels at which they should be implemented. RCM suppliers should focus on improving material quality, supply and marketing while minimising material costs. Governments should encourage using RCMs through incentivisation, supportive legislation and approval processes. The significance of awareness building and research was also recognised, which requires the collective efforts of suppliers, governmental and non-governmental bodies and educational institutes. Originality/value: Despite the talk around sustainable consumption, the actual walk towards this is limited from a construction perspective, as seen through the low uptake of RCMs. This study attempts to bridge this mismatch by outlining informational and structural interventions that would drive CPs to walk the talk and use RCMs for construction applications. While most studies on DW RL have focused on improving waste recovery processes, this study takes a less-trodden path and explores the potential for developing markets for RCMs.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2878-2899 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 Jun 2024 |
Keywords
- Australia
- Demolition waste
- Informational interventions
- Market
- Qualitative research
- Reprocessed construction materials
- Reverse logistics
- Structural interventions
- Sustainable consumption
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Architecture
- Building and Construction
- General Business,Management and Accounting