AI system to tackle construction waste through real-time monitoring
European Commission awards Northumbria University funding to develop artificial intelligence tool for improving construction waste management
Northumbria University has secured £250,000 in European Commission funding to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system that will help reduce construction waste through real-time monitoring and decision support.
The research project, led by Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, aims to address the construction sector's substantial material footprint. Construction, demolition, and excavation waste currently accounts for 62 per cent of the UK's total waste, generating 137.8 million tonnes annually.
"Sustainable construction is essential for addressing global environmental challenges," said Dr Martinez Rodriguez. "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."
Advanced monitoring systems
The project will develop AI-driven decision-support systems that enable construction managers to identify waste generation points and implement effective handling strategies. New key performance indicators (KPIs) will measure waste handling efficiency, resource utilisation, and adherence to sustainable practices.
Recent research from the UK Government indicates that despite high recovery rates, a significant portion of construction waste is either landfilled or downcycled into low-grade applications, highlighting the need for more efficient recycling solutions.
Market analysis suggests the global AI in waste management sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.5 per cent, reaching £14.5 billion by 2033. Construction waste management solutions are expected to play an increasingly important role in this expansion, driven by stringent environmental regulations and sustainability targets.
The project builds on successful preliminary research conducted by Dr Martinez Rodriguez and Dr Osama Mohsen from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), funded through the British Council's UK Saudi Challenge Fund. Their initial work revealed that the UK construction industry consumes 40 per cent of the country's raw resources annually, with 20 per cent ending up in landfills.
The researchers have developed AI models to identify and quantify waste from various building materials that could be recycled rather than sent to landfill. "Most construction sites analyse waste through modelling techniques, rather than measuring what is actually being thrown away," explained Dr Martinez Rodriguez. "By using AI, we can install visual sensor systems that monitor skips at construction sites and derive accurately how much waste is actually being produced.
Industry transformation
The construction sector is going through a digital transformation, with the AI in the construction market expected to reach £3.9 billion by 2025 across various applications. Waste management technology represents a significant portion of this investment, as companies are being asked to meet tougher environmental targets.
Government analysis indicates that improved productivity measures in construction, including waste reduction strategies, could contribute to significant industry savings while reducing carbon emissions, with Defra identifying construction waste reduction as a key priority in its waste prevention programme.
Policy implications
The research team will establish best practices, industry guidelines, and policy frameworks to encourage adoption of sustainable construction methods. A key focus will be promoting materials reuse and designing buildings for disassembly and reassembly, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.
AI-powered waste monitoring systems are expected to improve sorting, recycling, and material recovery processes, contributing to the sector's waste reduction goals. This aligns with the UK government's Construction 2025 strategy, which aims to reduce construction waste to landfill and increase resource efficiency.
"By promoting circular economy principles, we aim to catalyse a global shift toward sustainable construction practices," Dr Martinez Rodriguez added. "This research will not only benefit the UK and EU but also set a benchmark for responsible construction worldwide."
The project's findings and recommendations will be shared with policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to drive meaningful change in construction waste management practices.
