Work

Enhancing sustainable waste management strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises: a focus on commercial refurbishment projects in the United Kingdom

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: With commercial refurbishment projects being identified as large contributors to landfill waste in the United Kingdom (United Kingdom), the aim of this paper is to identify effective Sustainable Waste Management strategies that could be implemented by Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) construction businesses, specifically within the commercial refurbishment sector. The study adopted a mixed method approach engaging industry professionals working within SMEs through both questionnaires and interviews. Findings showed that although SME businesses aspire to make improvements, the construction industry is not making clients and consultants equally accountable. However, some of the most effective tactics that could be employed were low cost and easy to implement but it seems that some SME businesses are still averse to them for mostly economic reasons suggesting for better enlightenment of collaborative procurement routes, implementing sustainability regulations and comprehensive engagement of SMEs by industry authorities; substantial improvements can be made in the realm of sustainable waste management.

Source: Frontiers in Built Environment

DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2025.1469398

Authors: Simon Garoghan, Ayomikun Solomon Adewumi, Eng L. Ofetotse, Vincent Onyango, Ayotunde Dawodu

Institutions: University of Greenwich, University of Dundee

Language: English

Topic: Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353