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A Decision-Making Framework for Residential Construction Waste Reduction in New Zealand

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Thesis(6.14 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

Albsoul, Hadeel

Supervisor

Doan, Dat
Aigwi, Esther
Ghaffarianhoseini, Ali

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Doctor of Philosophy

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

The high rate of construction waste (CW) sent to landfills is a growing challenge to New Zealand’s commitment to achieving strategic goals on waste management and climate change action. Simultaneously, the residential construction sector in New Zealand and worldwide is experiencing increased criticism about generating the highest levels of CW due to the continuous surge in residential construction demand. Despite some success in managing CW, factors that influence decision-making in CW reduction effectively and sustainably are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, the research aims to develop a decision-making framework to support residential construction waste reduction (RCWR) in New Zealand. The conceptual research framework focuses on the factors influencing RCWR in New Zealand, along with an emphasis on the interrelationship among influencing factors to inform strategic resource allocation and prioritise aspects of RCWR. The research design employed a sequential, exploratory, mixed-methods approach. Initially, the literature review identified the concepts related to RCWR and the key stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. Following this, interviews with subject matter experts were conducted to define and categorise the factors comprehensively. This foundation directly informed the development of the survey questions, which were subsequently refined using quantitative partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The qualitative research contributed to the development of the theoretical model, while the quantitative analysis helped refine it statistically. Additionally, the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework validated that the model effectively measured the practical aspects for decision-makers using the combined techniques of fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). Results from the interviews revealed 25 factors into eight categories: operational, governance, economic, innovative and technical, social and behavioural, environmental, process and procedures, and organisational. A significant finding was that efforts in RCWR would be significantly enhanced if manufacturers and suppliers took responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. The developed decision-making framework proposed critical strategies to optimise RCWR, including collaboration and communication, convenient approaches, incentives and recognition, education, waste infrastructure, circular materials, and takeback schemes. Research outcomes contribute to providing insights into RCWR, promoting collaboration among the key stakeholders, and understanding constraints and priorities for RCWR in New Zealand. Furthermore, the decision-making tool is expected to enable decision-makers to design strategies and policies that optimise RCWR and help New Zealand achieve its goals of transitioning to a circular economy, meeting emissions reduction targets, and fulfilling the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/19552

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Doctoral Theses