Using Lean in Deconstruction Projects for Maximising the Reuse of Materials: A Canadian Case Study

Tasseda Boukherroub (), Audrey Nganmi Tchakoutio and Nathalie Drapeau
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Tasseda Boukherroub: Department of Systems Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) & Numerix Laboratory (ÉTS), 1100 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Audrey Nganmi Tchakoutio: Center for Intersectoral Studies and Research on the Circular Economy (CERIEC), École de Technologie Superieure (ÉTS), 1100 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Nathalie Drapeau: Center for Intersectoral Studies and Research on the Circular Economy (CERIEC), École de Technologie Superieure (ÉTS), 1100 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-20

Abstract: The construction sector is considered a major consumer of virgin materials and a contributor to waste generation. Therefore, it is essential to rethink current waste management practices, for example, by applying circular economy principles to building demolition, such as deconstruction. Deconstruction involves dismantling a building with the aim of maintaining the highest possible value for its materials and maximising their recovery potential. This study aims to guide the construction sector towards deconstruction to support its efforts to transform itself toward a more sustainable industry. It focuses on a regional case study in the province of Québec (Canada), presenting five buildings to be deconstructed. First, this study presents the outcomes of our analysis of the current situation. Second, it identifies the issues and obstacles encountered and proposes avenues to improve the current process based on solutions identified in the literature and the recommendations of the manager, the contractor involved in the deconstruction project, as well as experts in the construction industry. Finally, it proposes an improved deconstruction process. Our research approach is inspired from Lean thinking and follows the Action Research methodology.

Keywords: circular economy; sustainable construction; deconstruction; waste management; material reuse; process; Lean (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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