Adopting circular economy practices in major building materials and elements to minimise waste in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Construction waste causes soil and water pollution, resulting in severe social and environmental concerns. Construction waste management systems in Sri Lanka are reactive and felt only when waste is generated. Hence, a proactive approach such as Circular Economy (CE) to minimising waste generation is required. The individual disposal of construction materials and elements contributes highly to construction waste in Sri Lanka, e.g., timber, bricks, doors, and windows. Therefore, applying CE practices concerning major building materials and elements is essential to minimise waste proactively. Thus, this study aims to guide the adoption of CE practices in major building materials and elements to minimise waste in the Sri Lankan context. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the CE concept and its application to main building materials and elements. Using snowball sampling, ten experts fulfilling predefined criteria were selected and interviewed to collect qualitative data. The collected data were analysed using content analysis. Results show that current, material selection in Sri Lankan construction projects does not consider CE aspects. Current disposal practices include demolition and combusting while reusing and recycling are rarely used. The study recommended recycling, downcycling, cradle-to-cradle approach, material banks, and reduction to dispose of building materials and elements towards adopting the CE concept. CE can be implemented from the design stage to the whole life cycle, preferably initial stages, as an applicable practice to the Sri Lankan construction industry leading to minimising building materials and elements.