Implementation of a Waste Management Plan for Construction Projects in Singapore
Journal article by Florence Y.Y. Ling, Mark C.H. Lim; Architectural Science Review, Vol. 45, 2002
Journal Article Excerpt
Implementation of a Waste Management Plan for Construction Projects in Singapore. by Florence Y.Y. Ling , Mark C.H. Lim This study investigates the factors needed for the implementation of a successful waste management plan in Singapore. Data were obtained through mail surveys and face-to-face interviews. Statistical t-test of the mean was carried out to determine the relevance of the issues. For waste management plans to succeed, commitment of the top management and involvement of senior site staff are essential. This indicates that waste management must be a top-down approach, as workers, by themselves, are not motivated to minimize waste. A good waste management plan should include measures for waste prevention, waste minimization and waste recycling. 1. Introduction Studies have shown that waste in the construction industry is substantial and is an area of concern. Construction and demolition waste can account for up to about 30% of all solid waste streams (1,2,3). In Singapore, the Housing and Development Board confirmed that wastage is indeed a problem for the construction industry and estimated that material wastage accounts for 2% of the contract sum (41). There is a need to reduce waste. The first reason is the need to conserve resources. Raw materials and natural resources are being used at a faster rate than they are being replaced, or alternatives are being found (5). The second reason is how the waste generated should be disposed off. Waste in Singapore is disposed of either through incineration (90%) or landfill (10%). However, there is a limit to the city-state's long-term capacity to waste disposal. The third reason is because of the high disposal costs which make the cost of waste removal significant to contractors (2). Thus, waste management is a long-term solution to the problem of waste since the fundamental objectives of any waste management plan would be to emphasize on waste minimization as well as to promote the reuse and recycling of waste (5). The main objectives of this study are: (a) To explore the reasons for implementing waste management plans in the construction industry; (b) To find out the factors determining the success of a waste management plan; and (c) To recommend an appropriate waste management plan to contractors in Singapore. This study is useful because waste is a global issue with real impacts on both the environment and human health. With increased sensitivity and environmental awareness, there is an immediate need to manage wastes in a sanitary, aesthetically acceptable, and economical manner. Hence, there lies a great potential for waste management, especially in the construction industry. After the introduction, the possible reasons for implementing and factors determining the success of a waste management plan are reviewed. The components of a waste management plan are explored. This is followed by a description of the methodology and the results. A discussion of the findings is given, before the limitations of the study and conclusion are presented. 2. Reasons for Implementing a Waste Management Plan The implementation of the plan is the critical first step in construction waste management if an actual reduction in the waste stream is to be realized. The reasons for implementation can be classified broadly into the economic and environmental factors. The possible reasons are now discussed. 2.1 Minimising waste A construction site which implements a waste management plan will have significant waste reduction, compared to one that does not have such a plan (6). 2.2 Conserving resources Raw materials and natural resources are being used at a faster rate than they are being replaced, or alternatives are being found. Resource conservation thus can be achieved by having a waste management plan (5). 2.3 Saving costs The potential cost reduction by preventing generation of construction waste on site is substantial and can be an incentive for participants in construction projects to put efforts in minimizing construction waste (3). 2.4 Increasing competitiveness A waste management plan helps contractors reduce waste, which leads to a reduction in operating costs and improve corporate profitability (7). 2.5 Complying with pre-qualification requirements Clients, in a pre-qualification exercise, may demand that the construction company be one that is environmentally conscious. Hence, contractors may implement a waste management plan, in direct response to the customers' requirement. 2.6 Entering foreign markets Contractors may adopt a waste management plan when trying to enter into foreign markets that require an image as a "green builder" as this may provide an economic edge over competitors (8). 2.7 Complying with legislationAs the society is beginning to appreciate its responsibility with respect to ... |
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