A simulation model using system dynamic method for construction and demolition waste management in Hong Kong

• Published in: Construction innovation Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 7 - 21
• Main Authors: Hao, J.L., Hills, M.J., Huang, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Emerald Group Publishing Limited 23.01.2007
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Construction; Construction industry; Cooperation; Demolition; Design; Designers; Environmental impact; Environmental management; Environmental policy; Environmental protection; Landfill; Manufacturers; Project management; Raw materials; Simulation; Studies; Supply chains; Sustainable development; System monitoring; System theory; Waste management Hong Kong; Hong Kong China; China; China, People's Rep., Hong Kong; Waste management; Hong Kong; Simulation; System monitoring; Construction industry
• ISSN: 1471-4175; 1477-0857
• DOI: 10.1108/14714170710721269

Purpose - As construction and demolition(C&D) waste is one of the main solid waste generators in Hong Kong, its impact on the environment has become an imperative issue to the involved stakeholders. Although, C&D waste management has been receiving increasing attention from stakeholders and researchers since the early 1980s, how to manage C&D waste efficiently and effectively is, however, still in its early stages. Past research on C&D waste management has mainly focused on the separate aspects of waste management including waste reduction, reuse, recycle and response. A new approach is made in this paper to improve C&D waste management.Design methodology approach - A simulation model is developed based on system dynamics methodology for strategic planning of C&D waste in Hong Kong by incorporating the relationship of major activities inherently involved in C&D waste management.Findings - Finds that such an integrated simulation model will have the potential to assist decision makers and practitioners to better understand the complexity of information and processes involved in managing C&D waste throughout a project's life-cycle.Originality value - This has shown that management of C&D waste can be facilitated by means of system dynamics to provide a better understanding of the dynamic interactions and interdependencies of the key areas of the C&D waste management process.