Design for deconstruction : closing the material loop in Malta’s construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry is frequently criticized for its contribution to global resource depletion, particularly through the disposal of materials from end-of-life buildings. Closing the material loop by transforming waste into a resource is essential for achieving a more sustainable and circular built environment. Design for Deconstruction (DfD), also referred to as Design for Disassembly, is a waste minimization strategy that enables buildings to be dismantled at the end of their service life, allowing components and materials to be reused or recycled rather than landfilled. This study investigates the potential for implementing DfD within the Maltese construction industry, where construction and demolition waste remains a significant environmental concern. A quantitative research approach was adopted through the distribution of a survey among key industry stakeholders to assess current practices, levels of awareness, perceived barriers, and potential drivers for adoption. The findings indicate that time and cost constraints, limited education and training, entrenched industry culture, and existing policies and regulations represent major obstacles to DfD implementation. However, financial incentives, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and enhanced professional training emerged as key enablers that could facilitate wider adoption. Although carried out within the Maltese context, the results reflect broader challenges faced by small islands and resource-constrained regions, highlighting DfD’s wider applicability as a systemic strategy for promoting circular construction and reducing waste in the built environment.