Short answer

Integrate robust material management protocols into construction processes, focusing on secure storage, vigilant delivery checks, and a 'first-in, first-out' approach for materials.

Field
Resource Management
Source
International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia) (2016)
Method
Quantitative correlational study
Evidence
Moderate effect

Implementing simple material management practices like secure storage, delivery checks, and using materials before expiry significantly reduces construction waste. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia). Using Quantitative correlational study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate robust material management protocols into construction processes, focusing on secure storage, vigilant delivery checks, and a 'first-in, first-out' approach for materials.

Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactModerate effect

Effective storage and material rotation can reduce construction waste by up to 49.4%

Implementing simple material management practices like secure storage, delivery checks, and using materials before expiry significantly reduces construction waste.

International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia) · 2016

01

Key Findings

  • 01The most frequently employed waste minimisation strategies include securing storage, checking deliveries, and using materials before their expiry dates.
  • 02A significant relationship exists between the level of minimisation strategies adopted and the amount of waste generated.
  • 03Material minimisation strategies can explain between 18.8% and 49.4% of the material waste generated for most material types.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate robust material management protocols into construction processes, focusing on secure storage, vigilant delivery checks, and a 'first-in, first-out' approach for materials.

How to apply

Implement a checklist for material receiving, storage, and usage on site, and consider training for site personnel on best practices for material handling.

Project actions

  • 01When designing, think about how materials will be stored and handled on site.
  • 02Consider the 'use by' dates of materials and plan procurement accordingly.
03

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the most effective material waste minimisation strategies in construction, and how do they correlate with the amount of waste generated?
MethodQuantitative correlational study
ProcedureConstruction firms were surveyed regarding their material waste minimisation strategies and the amount of waste generated. Data were analysed using statistical tests including Spearman Rank Correlation, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Mann-Whitney U tests.
ContextConstruction industry

Variables

IVMaterial waste minimisation strategies (e.g., secure storage, delivery checks, material rotation).
DVAmount of material waste generated.
CVCategory of construction firm, type of material.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Investigates practical, on-site strategies.
  • +Quantifies the relationship between strategies and waste reduction.

Limitations

The effectiveness of these strategies might vary depending on the scale and complexity of the construction project.

Reliability & validity

The use of statistical analysis strengthens the reliability of the findings. Validity is supported by the focus on actual practices and quantifiable waste.

Think critically

To what extent can design choices influence the effectiveness of these material management strategies?

05

Design Principles

"Proactive material management is key to waste reduction."

Construction projects often generate substantial material waste, impacting project costs and environmental sustainability. By adopting proactive waste minimisation strategies, design and construction teams can improve resource efficiency and reduce their ecological footprint.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Keeping materials safe, checking what arrives, and using older stuff first helps stop a lot of building waste.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use findings to justify the importance of material management in your design project's context.
  • 2.Reference the percentage of waste reduction to quantify the impact of your proposed solutions.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights that effective material waste minimisation strategies, such as proper storage, delivery verification, and timely material usage, can significantly reduce waste generation in construction, with some strategies explaining up to 49.4% of potential waste reduction. This underscores the importance of integrating robust material management protocols into construction practices to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability.

09

Source

International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia)

Material Waste Minimisation Strategies among Construction Firms in South-South, Nigeria

journal · 2016

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about effective storage and material rotation can reduce construction waste by up to 49.4%?
Integrate robust material management protocols into construction processes, focusing on secure storage, vigilant delivery checks, and a 'first-in, first-out' approach for materials. Evidence: International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia) (2016).
Why does "Effective storage and material rotation can reduce construction waste by up to 49.4%" matter for design?
Construction projects often generate substantial material waste, impacting project costs and environmental sustainability. By adopting proactive waste minimisation strategies, design and construction teams can improve resource efficiency and reduce their ecological footprint.
How can designers apply this research?
Integrate robust material management protocols into construction processes, focusing on secure storage, vigilant delivery checks, and a 'first-in, first-out' approach for materials.
What were the main findings?
The most frequently employed waste minimisation strategies include securing storage, checking deliveries, and using materials before their expiry dates.. A significant relationship exists between the level of minimisation strategies adopted and the amount of waste generated.. Material minimisation strategies can explain between 18.8% and 49.4% of the material waste generated for most material types.
What research method was used?
Quantitative correlational study.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2016 journal from International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia).
What should I do differently in my next project?
Implement a checklist for material receiving, storage, and usage on site, and consider training for site personnel on best practices for material handling.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on a specific region, and the percentage of waste explained by strategies varied by material type.