SDG 12 Sustainable Consumption through Reduction of Cost Overrun by Identification of Major Construction Waste Components Using the Pareto Rule

The United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDGs 11 and 12, emphasizes sustainable cities and responsible consumption. The construction industry, with its high material consumption and waste generation, is a key player in achieving these goals. Waste not only escalates environmental concerns but also contributes significantly to cost overruns- a critical issue in construction projects worldwide. This study aims to identify the major construction waste components driving cost overruns and propose effective management strategies. The quantitative research method was employed, involving a questionnaire survey of 101 construction professionals. Purposive sampling and Cochran’s formula were used to determine a sample size of 120. Of these, 101 responded to the questionnaire yielding a response rate of 84%. Data analysis using the Pareto principle revealed that concrete, miscellaneous materials (plastics, glass, tiles, etc.), bricks and block and wood are the major waste contributors, with concrete having the most significant impact on cost overruns. To mitigate these issues, the study recommends strategies such as thorough review of construction documents, collaboration with designers and owners, and the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to automate waste quantification. Most importantly, the study integrates broader circular economy principles, international regulatory frameworks such as LEED and BREEAM to strengthen the findings. By focusing on critical waste components and implementing these strategies and frameworks, the study offers a more holistic approach to sustainable construction waste management to significantly reduce cost overruns.