Identifying Key Drivers of Cost Reduction in Construction Waste Management: Evidence from India

Abstract As the fourth largest construction industry in the world, the construction industry in India contributes 8 % to the national GDP, and it faces a serious problem of dealing with the 12–15 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste produced every year. By 2050, it is estimated that the landfill space needed will be 88 square kilometres, making waste management strategies that are cost-effective for the environment urgent in the quest for sustainable development. This article examines issues that affect cost reduction in construction waste management in India by conducting an extensive survey of 210 industry stakeholders. The study uses descriptive statistics and factor analysis processes in SPSS 29 to determine and rank important variables that influence waste management. Findings indicate that on-site waste segregation has the highest factor load (0.881), followed by stakeholder awareness and participation with the traditional and modern construction practices, recording correlation values of 0.871. The paper uses the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), lean construction principles, and a circular economy model to develop viable cost-cutting measures. The results show that systematic waste segregation, stakeholder education, recycling programme effectiveness, and sustainable materials selection have a significant impact on the total cost of the project. The study provides empirical data to prove the hypothesis that the choice of materials and design, construction methods, the attitude of stakeholders, and waste management strategies have a positive impact on cost-cutting efforts. The policy recommendations emphasise the government-industry partnership, creation of infrastructure to support waste processing plants, and the strengthening of the regulatory frameworks to achieve economically viable and environmentally sustainable construction practices in India.