Value co-creation pathways for construction waste reduction

Purpose This study aims to address the persistent challenges of fragmented collaboration and unclear value exchange in construction waste reduction (CWR). It seeks to develop a systematic understanding of how stakeholders collaborate by constructing a stakeholder value network (SVN) model. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating value co-creation and social exchange theory. The SVN model was developed and analyzed using data from a literature review, policy analysis and semi-structured expert interviews. The network analysis identified 45 value streams and 846 value loops, with robustness ensured through sensitivity analysis. Findings The results reveal that non-economic values, specifically knowledge sharing, policy support and social recognition, play a more critical structural role than financial incentives in sustaining collaborative networks. Furthermore, contractors, owners and designers form the triadic core of CWR governance, whereas suppliers and the public assume more peripheral roles than traditionally presumed. Originality/value This study contributes a novel, network-based analytical framework for examining multi-stakeholder cooperation in sustainability-oriented projects. It challenges the conventional overemphasis on economic drivers as the primary collaborative force and redefines core governance actors. Based on the findings, a government-led guarantee mechanism is proposed to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, providing actionable strategies for policymakers and project managers to optimize value exchange and enhance CWR performance.