The effect of green supply chain management practices in reduction of construction wastes and carbon emission in Bangladesh

Abstract

The environmental and construction legislations are not modernized to control the adverse impacts of construction activities in Bangladesh. A large volume of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste and carbon are annually released from this sector. This research was undertaken to investigate the Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices and its implications during the implementation in constructions. Three construction industries and three related material manufacturers were selected for case study, and thirty industries combing both categories were investigated through questionnaire survey to unravel current GSCM practices, and its challenges and effect on constructions. Results revealed that market (76.67%) and supplier (91.03%) pressures promoted GSCM practices in construction industries, additionally internal factors played significant role (74.44%), whereas 60% regulations as external pressure. As GSCM elements, green manufacturing (90.83%), green purchasing (85.83%), internal environmental management (82.5%), investment recovery (86.66), and eco-design (93.33%) respondents agreed to improve the construction industry to reduce C&D waste and carbon emission. About 89% and 79% respondents acknowledged the environmental and economic performances, respectively improved by GSCM practices. Furthermore, 70–90% respondents opined financial/technical/human application as key barriers in GSCM practices. Finally, the GSCM practices reduced C&D waste and carbon emissions; however, it was not maintained regularly and strictly.