Short answer
Integrate multi-criteria decision-support into waste management planning for demolition projects to systematically evaluate and prioritize sustainable options.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Buildings and Cities (2023)
- Method
- Design Science Research
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A decision-support tool can empower demolition contractors to select waste management strategies that balance technical feasibility, economic costs, environmental gains, and social benefits, thereby facilitating the adoption of circular demolition practices. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Buildings and Cities. Using Design science research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate multi-criteria decision-support into waste management planning for demolition projects to systematically evaluate and prioritize sustainable options.
Decision-support tool optimizes demolition waste management for circularity
A decision-support tool can empower demolition contractors to select waste management strategies that balance technical feasibility, economic costs, environmental gains, and social benefits, thereby facilitating the adoption of circular demolition practices.
Buildings and Cities · 2023
Key Findings
- 01A decision-support tool can effectively compare and rank demolition waste management strategies.
- 02The tool considers technical feasibility, economic costs, environmental gain, and social gain.
- 03Informed decision-making leads to greater adoption of circular and sustainable demolition methods.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate multi-criteria decision-support into waste management planning for demolition projects to systematically evaluate and prioritize sustainable options.
How to apply
Develop or utilize decision-support software that quantifies and compares the environmental, economic, and social impacts of different waste management options for deconstruction projects.
Project actions
- 01When researching waste management, consider developing a scoring system or a simple matrix to compare different options.
- 02Focus on a specific material or building component to make the analysis more manageable.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Direct collaboration with industry practitioners provides real-world relevance.
- +Iterative design process ensures the tool addresses practical needs.
Limitations
The availability and cost of local recycling facilities or markets for reused materials can significantly impact the feasibility of certain strategies.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the tool relies on the accuracy of the data inputs and the subjective weighting of different criteria by the user. Reliability would depend on consistent application of the tool and consistent data sources.
Think critically
How might the 'social gain' aspect of waste management strategies be objectively measured and incorporated into a decision-support tool?
Design Principles
"Multi-criteria decision analysis should be employed to evaluate complex sustainability trade-offs in material and waste management."
The construction and demolition sector is a significant contributor to waste generation. Providing contractors with structured tools to evaluate options beyond traditional disposal methods is crucial for advancing circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact.
What This Means for Your Design
This research created a computer tool to help demolition companies decide the best way to handle waste from old buildings, like reusing materials, recycling them, or recovering energy, by looking at cost, environmental benefit, and how easy it is to do.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the concept of multi-criteria decision analysis to justify your design choices regarding material selection and end-of-life considerations.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the importance of decision-support tools in optimizing demolition waste management. By evaluating strategies based on technical feasibility, economic costs, environmental gains, and social gains, demolition contractors can make more informed choices that align with circular economy principles and reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Source
Buildings and Cities
Decision-support for selecting demolition waste management strategies
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about decision-support tool optimizes demolition waste management for circularity?
- Integrate multi-criteria decision-support into waste management planning for demolition projects to systematically evaluate and prioritize sustainable options. Evidence: Buildings and Cities (2023).
- Why does "Decision-support tool optimizes demolition waste management for circularity" matter for design?
- The construction and demolition sector is a significant contributor to waste generation. Providing contractors with structured tools to evaluate options beyond traditional disposal methods is crucial for advancing circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate multi-criteria decision-support into waste management planning for demolition projects to systematically evaluate and prioritize sustainable options.
- What were the main findings?
- A decision-support tool can effectively compare and rank demolition waste management strategies.. The tool considers technical feasibility, economic costs, environmental gain, and social gain.. Informed decision-making leads to greater adoption of circular and sustainable demolition methods.
- What research method was used?
- Design Science Research.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Buildings and Cities.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Develop or utilize decision-support software that quantifies and compares the environmental, economic, and social impacts of different waste management options for deconstruction projects.
- What are the limitations?
- The tool's effectiveness may vary depending on the specific context, available infrastructure for reuse/recycling, and the contractor's willingness to adopt new methods.