Prefabrication and Waste Minimisation in Construction Projects: Perspectives from New Zealand

摘要

The benefits of prefabrication are well known and include increased efficiency, greater economy, and safety in construction operations. There have also been anecdotal references to the reduction of construction waste as a result of prefabrication but there are little empirical studies to support this assertion. The current study undertakes an investigation to establish the influence, prefabrication can have on the amount of construction waste generation. Data was gathered through the collation of the perspective views of 47 construction practitioners and stakeholders who have professional experience in the New Zealand construction industry. Quantitative method of analysis was chosen for ease of understanding. The results indicated greater levels of prefabrication corresponded to lower levels of construction waste generation. However, the key to achieving construction waste minimisation targets lies in better supervision of the quality of prefabricated products. The study concludes that more training, education, and awareness is needed within the prefabrication sub-sector to realise waste minimisation on construction projects.