Closing the Loop: An Analysis of Construction Waste Reduction Policies

Dat Tien Doan¹, Jack McKinney-Ryder², Tuyet Phuoc Anh Mai³, Ali Ghaffarianhoseini¹, Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini¹

1. Auckland University of Technology
2. Operational and Regulatory Aviation Compliance Sustainment (ORACS) Engineering Manager Auckland, Ministry of Defence
3. The University of Danang - University of Technology and Education

Published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), edited by Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, Farzad Rahimian and Mahesh Babu Purushothaman. Springer Nature, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, volume 591, 2025, pages 486 to 495. DOI 10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_47.

Abstract

This research assesses the effectiveness of existing strategies in helping Auckland city reduce its construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) waste, aiming for zero waste by 2040. Auckland’s passive approach is compared with San Jose’s proactive policies, which have led to a 75% waste diversion rate. The study examines policy effectiveness in both cities and recommends improving Auckland’s progress. The findings indicate that Auckland’s current policies fall short in addressing CRD waste and lack the necessary mandated actions. It is recommended that Auckland adopt policies similar to those in San Jose, focusing on establishing a viable market for CRD waste by addressing supply, demand, and administration finance. Moreover, modifications to New Zealand’s Building Code and Waste Minimisation Act are essential for supporting a thriving diversion or recycling industry. By implementing these recommendations, Auckland can significantly improve its waste reduction approach and foster a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city.

Keywords

Session

Presented in Recorded Presentations, Session II, Friday 8 November 2024, 16:30 to 19:00, room WG 201, Auckland University of Technology. Session chair Dr Kamal Dhawan.

How to Cite

Doan, D. T., McKinney-Ryder, J., Mai, T. P. A., Ghaffarianhoseini, A., & Ghaffarianhoseini, A. (2025). Closing the Loop: An Analysis of Construction Waste Reduction Policies. In A. GhaffarianHoseini, A. GhaffarianHoseini, F. Rahimian, & M. B. Purushothaman (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 591, pp. 486–495). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_47

About the Conference

Presented at SASBE 2024, the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, held in Auckland from 7 to 9 November 2024 and chaired by Professors Ali and Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, founders of GDI Academy. The version of record is published by Springer Nature; this page is the conference archive record kept by GDI Academy.