Moving towards Sustainable Construction in Malaysia: A Holistic Model for Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management Mohd Reza Esa Diploma in Building Bachelor of Construction Management (Hons.) Master of Science in Building Science A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2017 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences ABSTRACT Sustainable construction has become part of the national agenda in Malaysia in an effort to preserve the environment for a better future. The management of construction and demolition (C&D) wastes is considered an essential element in achieving the sustainability goal in Malaysia. In this light, the high rate of waste generation will put pressure on the limited space for landfill, deplete the natural resources, and create more illegal dumping issues, which will directly harm the environment. The pressures to reduce wastes have significantly contributed to the shift in mindset among construction actors to elude the linear-based practices of the construction industry. A holistic model is required to manage waste generation more efficiently, and the concept of circular economy (CE) has been identified as a potential approach to handle waste generation by putting forward the idea of turning waste into wealth, by maximising the available resources as long as possible, throughout the construction cycle. This research was undertaken to develop a holistic model for C&D waste management that is applicable throughout the construction cycle (planning and designing stage, procurement stage and construction and demolition stage) in Malaysia. The methodological approach taken in this study is a mixed methodology approach, which is based on systematic literature review, a combination of the Delphi method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the distribution of questionnaires and a simulation process using system dynamics. The relevant previous studies were reviewed to develop the preliminary model, based on the three layer approaches of micro, meso and macro of CE. The developed model was then validated using the combination of the Delphi method and AHP to scrutinise the suitability of the model to be adopted in the Malaysian construction industry. An enhanced model of C&D waste management was then introduced; based on the twenty experts’ opinions. The experts are comprised of personnel from government agencies, developers, consultants and contractors in Malaysia. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed as an initial step towards the simulation process, which is designed based on the feedback gathered from 167 respondents. These respondents comprise the construction actors in Malaysia who answered and returned the questionnaires that are circulated. Finally, the C&D waste management system was simulated using the system dynamics modelling software, to evaluate and analyse the suitability of the model in the real-case scenario. The findings emphasised the significance of defining the right 3R principles of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’, the suitable waste minimisation strategies, and the organisations responsible to ensure the implementation of C&D waste management at different stages of the construction cycle. The results i | P a g e revealed that the 3R principles should be integrated throughout the entire construction cycle, and the ‘reduce’ principle should be prioritised as early as possible. Moreover, the adoption of a modern construction method and the application of a waste management plan are necessary at the planning and designing stages to minimise waste generation. At the procurement stage, regulatory enhancement is required to ensure attention is given towards managing waste generation more effectively. Government agencies play a vital role in these stages to ensure the implementation of C&D waste management, especially in promoting the application of 3R principles. The contractors are responsible for planning an effective site management that includes proper material storage and monitoring workers’ behaviours at the construction and demolition stage. Furthermore, the findings also pointed out that the main influencing factor to waste generation is the lack of on-site materials and waste management plans. Meanwhile, there is an increasing motivation to develop a better C&D waste management commitment to environmental sustainability. Lastly, the simulation modelling in this study enhanced the result and provided a clear view on understanding the dynamics and relationships of the selected variables in the model. This study extends the current literature that frequently covers the C&D waste management strategy after waste generation, by presenting the knowledge and awareness of managing the C&D wastes throughout the construction cycle. It provides guidance and serves as a platform for construction actors to hone their focus on the management of C&D waste generation as early as possible. It can also promote the involvement of all construction actors to play their role in prioritizing the management of C&D wastes in a more sustainable and efficient way. ii | P a g e DECLARATION BY AUTHOR This thesis is composed of my original work, and contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference has been made in the text. I have clearly stated the contribution by others to jointly-authored works that I have included in my thesis. I have clearly stated the contribution of others to my thesis as a whole, including statistical assistance, survey design, data analysis, significant technical procedures, professional editorial advice, and any other original research work used or reported in my thesis. The content of my thesis is the result of work I have carried out since the commencement of my research higher degree candidature and does not include a substantial part of work that has been submitted to qualify for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other tertiary institution. I have clearly stated which parts of my thesis, if any, have been submitted to qualify for another award. I acknowledge that an electronic copy of my thesis must be lodged with the University Library and, subject to the policy and procedures of The University of Queensland, the thesis be made available for research and study in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968 unless a period of embargo has been approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. I acknowledge that copyright of all material contained in my thesis resides with the copyright holder(s) of that material. Where appropriate I have obtained copyright permission from the copyright holder to reproduce material in this thesis. iii | P a g e PUBLICATIONS DURING CANDIDATURE PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS: 1) Esa, M. R., Halog, A., & Rigamonti, L. (2016). Developing strategies for managing construction and demolition wastes in Malaysia based on the concept of circular economy. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s10163-016-0516-x (Published) Received: 7 March 2016 / Accepted: 23 May 2016 / Published online: 1 June 2016. 2) Esa, M. R., Halog, A., & Rigamonti, L. (2016). Strategies for Minimising Construction and Demolition Wastes in Malaysia. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.12.014 (Published) Received: 9 September 2016 / Received in revised form: 21 December 2016 / Accepted: 25 December 2016 / Published online: 6 January 2017. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS: 1) Esa, M. R., Halog, A., & Ismail, F. Z. (2015). Waste Management in Construction Industry - A Review on the Issues and Challenges, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Environmental Research and Technology (ICERT 2015) on 27- 29 May 2015 at PARKROYAL Resort, Penang, Malaysia, ISBN 978-967-394-211-4, pp. 100-106. 2) Esa, M. R., Halog, A., & Ismail, F. Z. (2015). Circular Economy Potential: Waste Minimisation Strategy in the Construction Industry, Proceedings of the 8th Making Cities Liveable Conference, Liveable Cities for the Future, on 6 – 7 July 2015 at Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Melbourne. 3) Esa, M. R., Halog, A., & Rigamonti, L. (2016). Influencing Factors of Construction and Demolition (C&D) Wastes Generation in Malaysia, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Liveable Built Environment (ICLBE), on 2 – 4 November 2016 at Ramada Bintang Bali Resort, Indonesia. iv | P a g e PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT This document includes two jointly authored articles, as follows: two published paper and two jointly authored works that have been submitted for peer review. These papers have been reproduced as part of the chapters of this document. I conducted the majority of the work contained within these articles, including: original idea, design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, drafting and writing. I also play a role as corresponding author on the behalf of others. Author contributions are indicated with the below relevant citations. 1) Esa, M. R., Halog, A., & Rigamonti, L. (2016). Developing strategies for managing construction and demolition wastes in Malaysia based on the concept of circular economy. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 19(3), 1144-1154. doi: 10.1007/s10163- 016-0516-x (Published) Received: 7 March 2016 / Accepted: 23 May 2016 / Published online: 1 June 2016. INCLUDED AS CHAPTER 2 OF THIS DOCUMENT. Contributor Statement of contribution Mohd Reza Esa Reviewed the literature (100%) Analysed the literature (100%) Wrote the paper (80%) Anthony Halog