Towards sustainable construction through better construction and demolition waste management practices: a SWOT analysis of Suzhou, China

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) has caused resource waste, environmental pollution and ecological damage, thus seriously threatening the construction industry's sustainable development. However, few studies provide a systematic framework for strategic analysis and planning of CDW management (CDWM) at the regional level, and empirical studies in typical Chinese first-tier cities are unavailable. This study thus aims to develop a systematic framework to analyze the internal and external conditions of regional CDWM practices through a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis. Suzhou, a typical Chinese first-tier city whose CDWM practices are at the leading level across China, is selected for an empirical study to demonstrate the framework and investigate the critical success factors for CDWM. Data supporting this study are derived from various channels such as reviewing related regulations, laws, government reports, and published materials and interviewing related government staff and industry stakeholders. Based on SWOTs identified, five strategic recommendations were proposed for future improvements of CDWM practices in Suzhou. Findings from this study allow related stakeholders to deeply understand the current quo of CDWM in Suzhou, contributing to the city’s sustainable construction and circular economy. This study also provides valuable references for other similar cities for CDW strategic planning.