Abstract

This developed is developed primarily for two reasons; increasing diversion of surplus from landfill and providing consistent guidance on the concept of waste management in the construction industry. The objectives of this study will be developed after a thorough investigation on the concept of waste management in the construction industry.

Introduction

The construction industry has continued to grow and its growth is evident in modern building constructions, road constructions and other social constructions that provide essential and efficient infrastructure to the public. With its nature of growth, the construction industry is responsible for one of the largest though single waste streams in the state. The construction industry is also one of the leading contributors towards development universally because of the physical activities of utilities, service and commerce it revolves around. The industry in itself generates high level employment opportunities thus injection large sums of money into the universal economy (Agung 2009).

Despite the large and beautiful contributions made by construction industry, the activities within the industry have been associated with the dangerous effects of global warming, environmental degradation and pollution (Jones & Greenwood 2009). Unsustainable use and construction waste generation in the depletion of natural resources used for construction have been linked to the adverse effects on the environment. This proposal shall explore worldwide contractors’ perspective with regard to waste management and sustainable resource in the application of a specific and well-structured framework of management. For this reason, this proposal shall look at the ‘Site Waste Management Plan’ as a framework that has been successfully adopted by Europe in the reduction of onsite waste generation during construction. In conclusion, this proposal will make future recommendation for the exact strategy of ‘Site Waste Management Plan’ in reduction of adverse effects on the environment.

Sustainable development and waste management

During the latter half of the twentieth century, increasing calls for action on civil, political, scientific and society association were on the rise particularly to raise concern on the negative outcomes of human activities on the environment. Looking at Malaysia’s construction industry, the country has developed concern for solid waste management in construction because of the poor handling practices and management within the construction industry that in turn affects the public as well as the surrounding environment (United Nations Development Program 2008; National Economic Advisory Council 2010). With the numerous efforts aimed at clearing environmental concerns of construction wastes and its dangerous effects on the environment, governments particularly the Malaysian government has developed efforts and strategies that will protect the larger environment. However, it seems that the existing strategies and techniques being used presently by the Malaysian government are not strong enough to change the current status of construction and waste management.

The Status of Waste management

In a study conducted by Nasir et al., (1998), he revealed that about 28% of public solid waste comes from construction and industrial wastes. Begun et al., (2009) later revealed that building materials are the most responsible for the negative kind of destruction on the environment. The same research by Begun comes in support and the raise of awareness that the rates of construction waste mismanagement will continue to rise in future generations putting a new form of pressure on the already existing overstretch of waste management infrastructure worldwide.

The Site Waste Management Plans

The site management waste plan is a kind of framework that enabled project managers and contractors to record and forecast on a particular type of waste management technique that is set to assist in reducing the amount of waste that should be sent to a landfill (WRAP 2007). This technique according to Defra (2009) is exceptional because it improves on material resource efficiency through implementation of effective use, recycling and recovery of building materials. This technique has gained popularity in a number of developed countries such as the UK, Australia and the USA because of its functioning as a proper tool that minimizes adverse outcomes not only within the construction industry but in the general economy as well. In a research conducted by BRE (2009), most countries use this framework as voluntary. Typically, this technique requires a project manager to provide the rest of the employees with fundamental information on the value, scale and type of project in order to identify an individual who is in charge with particular stages of waste management.

Recommendation

The SWMP does not have to necessarily wait for project managers to keep an eye on who is performing what activity.  All employees in the construction industry can play an observation role with concerns of reducing negative surplus impacts of construction materials. Contractors should also support a legislation that makes SWMP compulsory to ensure success of projects allowing them to perfectly deal with waste management more responsibility.

Conclusion

The construction industry without doubt contributes a significant percentage of benefits to national and universal economies. However, the numerous benefits that come with modern construction, waste management remains a poor implementation in the industry. SWMP framework of effective waste management has proven to be a useful framework for determining waste management and sustainable resource in construction thus bringing the public to a vast financial, environment and social benefits.