Responsibility for Minimising Construction Material Waste

Construction activities generate residual materials which are known as construction waste. In cases where the producer takes no responsibility, the project may be affected due to the proliferation of waste on site. For successful delivery of any construction project, effective waste minimisation is vital. However, the discourse on who should be responsible for minimising waste continue to ravage the industry. This study attempted a review of the roles and responsibilities of construction professionals viz-a-viz their liabilities and actual practices. A total of 730 questionnaire were administered to building construction professionals in Lagos, Nigeria to determine who should be responsible. Data were analysed using relative importance index (RII) and according to the results, architects were ranked first while project managers/site managers and contractors/developers were ranked second and third respectively. One of the limitations of this study is that it forms part of an ongoing research to develop a circular economy framework for minimising construction waste. In conclusion, the study recommends collaboration of all stakeholders in ensuring efficient waste minimisation at all stages of construction.