The Challenges of On-site Waste Management Innovation in Building Construction Projects: Lebanese Construction Industry

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation is considered to be one of the real problems in the construction industry (CI) today. This is because of its direct negative impacts on the efficiency of the CI in addition to the environment. Because the CI is depending on environmental resources, it can’t keep on practicing if these sources are being depleted, therefore the significance of waste management innovation on-site such as separation, processing and re-use of C&D waste is vital to bring forth significant social, economic and environmental benefits over traditional methods. The CI takes an important part in the economy of developing countries, such as Lebanon. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the behavioral determinants effecting on-site C&D waste management innovation (OC&DWMI) decisions. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was distributed between different contractors within the Lebanese CI. A preliminary theoretical model that integrates two key behavioral decision-making theories was developed based on the theory of planned behavior and innovation diffusion theory with additional significant constructs. Structural Equation Modelling was used for data analysis, model modification, and hypothesis testing. A conceptual framework was developed showing the most significant factors. Whereas the results of the final model show that behavioral intention concerning OC&DWMI and governmental supervision are the most significant factors affecting the adoption decisions of OC&DWMI. So governments should impose specific regulations and guidelines regarding OC&DWMI with comprehensive supervision and strict punishment system, in addition to the help of R&D institutions and professional associations in increasing the behavioral intention regarding OC&DWMI to achieve its adoption.