Value-driven AI-enhanced Construction Waste Management

ongoing

Construction waste (CW) is a significant issue for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. In the UK, construction, demolition, and excavation waste made up 62% of the total waste generated, amounting to 137.8 million tonnes​. Across the EU, construction and demolition waste represented the largest waste stream, with 374 million tonnes recorded. While recovery rates are high, much of this waste ends in landfills or is repurposed in low-grade applications, highlighting the need for improved recycling quality to better align with circular economy principles that advocate for the reuse and recycling of waste. Effective management of construction waste not only supports sustainable practices but also contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12, which emphasises responsible consumption and production. Our research project is at the forefront of advancing sustainable construction by leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies and innovative waste magement strategies. The project aims to advance sustainable construction by leveraging AI technologies. It will precisely determine construction waste at the project level, identify waste generation points, and develop effective waste handling strategies. The project will also develop new KPIs for construction waste management to assess the efficiency of waste handling practices, resource utilisation, and project sustainability. Additionally, AI-driven decision-support systems will be developed to provide actionable insights for construction managers. The project emphasises sustainable construction practices, including materials reuse and building design for disassembly and reassembly. It will also establish guidelines, best practices, and policy frameworks to facilitate the adoption of sustainable construction methods across the industry. The project aims to catalyse a global shift towards resilient and sustainable construction in the UK, EU, and beyond.