A team of researchers are working to improve sustainability in the construction industry by combining artificial intelligence (AI) with innovative waste management strategies.
The research, led by Northumbria University in Newcastle, has secured £250,000 of research funding from the latest Horizon MSCA call from the European Commission, and aims to improve waste recycling efficiency, reduce landfill dependency, and promote circular economy principles in the UK and beyond.
Construction waste is a pressing environmental challenge, with construction, demolition, and excavation waste accounting for 62% of the UK’s total waste—equivalent to 137.8m tonnes. Across the European Union, construction and demolition waste is the largest waste stream, amounting to 374m tonnes.
Despite high recovery rates, much of this waste is either landfilled or repurposed in low-grade applications, highlighting the need for more effective recycling and use of resources.
That’s where the research programme comes, led by by Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez from the university’s Department of Architecture & Built Environment.
“Sustainable construction is essential for addressing global environmental challenges,” Martinez said. “Our research harnesses AI to precisely track waste generation, optimise resource usage, and provide construction managers with real-time, data-driven insights to enhance waste management efficiency.”
The project aims to develop advanced AI-driven decision-support systems to help construction managers identify waste generation points, implement effective handling strategies, and assess project sustainability through new key performance indicators (KPIs).
These KPIs will measure waste handling efficiency, resource utilisation, and adherence to sustainable practices.
Beyond technological advancements, the research will also look to establish best practices, industry guidelines, and policy frameworks to facilitate the adoption of sustainable construction methods. A strong focus will be placed on materials reuse and designing buildings for disassembly and reassembly, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and production.
Martinez added: “By promoting circular economy principles, we aim to catalyse a global shift toward sustainable construction practices. This research will not only benefit the UK and EU but also set a benchmark for responsible construction worldwide.”
Findings and recommendations from the study will be shared with policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to drive “meaningful” change in construction waste management.
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