An Integrated Framework to Improve Waste Management Practices and Environmental Awareness in the Saudi Construction Industry

Abstract

There are concerns that the rapid expansion of the Saudi construction industry is contributing to substantial waste production, resulting in significant environmental impacts. Despite global efforts to improve sustainability, the Saudi construction industry faces challenges due to the high levels of construction waste, a limited focus on managing environmental impacts beyond physical waste (i.e., solid or hazardous waste), and the lack of comprehensive waste management strategies. This research introduces a novel integrated framework that combines lean construction principles with environmental management systems to support efficient waste management in Saudi construction projects. The framework integrates the Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) model from Lean Six Sigma with the Aspect and Impact Analysis (AIA) from environmental management to simultaneously manage both production and environmental wastes. To develop this framework, the current state of waste management practices in Saudi Arabia was investigated through semi-structured interviews with industry practitioners, revealing 44 factors contributing to waste generation. Poor planning emerged as the most frequently cited factor, followed by poor coordination among stakeholders, leftover materials on-site and frequent design changes. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive and structured approach to address waste management. The proposed framework guides practitioners through defining and measuring waste, analysing root causes, prioritising waste-generating activities based on their impact, and implementing improvement strategies across strategic, tactical, and operational levels. The framework's application is demonstrated through a case example of piling operations and is validated through expert interviews. The integrated framework contributes to knowledge by offering a holistic approach to addressing both production and environmental waste, which aligns with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals. It equips organisations with a practical tool to optimize resources, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance overall project efficiency.