Developing an Integrated Framework for Sustainable Construction Waste Reduction and Management in Afghanistan

Abstract

The rapid expansion of Afghanistan's construction sector has intensified construction waste generation, necessitating a sustainable and integrated management framework. This study aims to develop an integrated framework of sustainable construction waste reduction and management by considering relevant factors and barriers to implementation. A quantitative research approach with an abductive research design was adopted to iteratively integrate empirical evidence with existing theory for framework development. Data were gathered from 128 construction practitioners and government officials using a structured questionnaire. According to the results, poorly managed sites (25.00%) have been reported as the major contributor to construction waste, followed by demolition operations (15.63%), modifications in designs (14.06%), and construction errors (12.50%). However, while there is increasing interest in the reduction of waste production, major gaps remain in terms of the non-separation of hazardous wastes, non-recycling of concrete wastes, and an ineffective waste recycling evaluation process. This research introduces a framework consisting of six components, which include governance, waste minimization, site-level management, capacity building, circular economy activities, and performance measurement. This proposed framework can be instrumental in helping enhance resource utilization, maximize materials recovery, and improve sustainable construction practices in Afghanistan.