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- Vol. 6 Issue 2
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An Empirical Study on Barriers to the Utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste for Sustainable Construction
Authors
1 2 3 4 UG Final year, Department of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. 5 Assistant Professor II, Departmentt of Civil Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
Article Information
- Published In
- Volume 6, Issue 2 (2026)
- Published Online
- March-April 2026
- Pages
- 369-379
- Article Type
- Original Article
- Check for updates
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Abstract
View PDFThe construction industry is a significant contributor to global solid waste generation, with Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste accounting for nearly 30-40% of total waste worldwide. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have further intensified this issue, particularly in developing countries where effective waste management systems remain inadequate. This study aims to systematically identify, classify, and prioritize the key barriers affecting the utilization of C&D waste in sustainable construction. A mixed-method research approach was adopted, integrating a systematic literature review with a structured questionnaire survey targeting multiple stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, consultants, architects, and clients. The identified barriers were categorized into managerial, technical, financial, environmental, and policy-related factors. Quantitative analysis was performed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank barrier significance and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to evaluate variations in stakeholder perceptions. The results indicate that managerial and policy-related barriers, particularly inadequate waste management planning, lack of regulatory support, and resistance to change, have the most significant impact on sustainable waste utilization. Technical and financial barriers were found to have comparatively moderate influence, indicating that governance and organizational factors are more critical than technological limitations. Furthermore, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) case study demonstrates that recycling of C&D waste significantly reduces environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and resource depletion, while also offering long-term economic benefits compared to conventional landfilling. The study emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks, stakeholder awareness, capacity building, and technological adoption to facilitate the transition towards a circular economy in the construction sector. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry professionals to enhance resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and waste management practices in construction.
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