
Dr Manjari Chakraborty | Dr Rizwan Kazmi
ISBN:
978-81-180058-1-0
DOI:
25. Minimizing Construction Waste Through Better Planning and Skilled Execution
Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: Waste Management Practices
Puja Kumari | Dr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava
DOI:
2026 | 337 pp.
In a developing country like India, where infrastructure growth is inevitable, the focus must shift from halting construction to ensuring that it is done sustainably and wisely. During my field observations, I have observed repeated renovations in some public spaces where flooring was replaced multiple times within a short span. In many cases, when commercial complexes undergo a change in ownership, often due to operational or legal transitions, the new occupants frequently demolish and reconstruct interiors, generating a considerable amount of avoidable construction waste. To attract customers, businesses often invest heavily in aesthetic renovations using resource- intensive materials, even when the same spaces could be designed more sustainably using indoor and outdoor plants. Incorporating such green building practices not only enhances appeal but also reduces environmental impact. Even in residential construction, interior partitions are often made with brick and cement. However, alternative materials like fibre panels and soundproof partitions can reduce material use while enhancing functionality and privacy. Frequent collapses of poorly constructed buildings and bridges, due to negligence by contractors or unskilled labour, also lead to massive waste and human casualties. Hence, it is high time to mandate basic training for labourers and contractors to ensure construction quality from the beginning. To achieve a circular economy, we must promote smart demolition techniques for material reuse, avoid unnecessary reconstruction, and build structures that are durable and repair-efficient. These practices will reduce construction waste at its source and improve resource efficiency, keeping valuable materials in circulation — the core objective of sustainable construction.
