By: Golnaz Arab, Associate Director of Environment, AESG
Date Published: February 24, 2025
According to the UN Environment Programme, construction and demolition waste accounts for 30–40% of the global waste stream. Giga projects, by virtue of their sheer size, can exacerbate this issue if not managed effectively. Without a robust waste management strategy, sustainability goals can be derailed, costs can skyrocket, and deadlines can be missed.
Volume and Variety
Construction generates a significant amount of mixed waste—concrete rubble, metals, plastics, and more—that needs specialised handling.
Complex Stakeholder Landscape
Giga projects involve a diverse array of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and regulators, making streamlined communication and coordination vital.
Regulatory Compliance
Stringent environmental regulations and standards must be met to avoid costly penalties and reputational damage.
Golnaz shares four core elements that consistently yield success in giga projects:
Early Planning
Waste management strategies should be integrated from the very start. This ensures compliance with local regulations, optimises logistics, and aligns with sustainability benchmarks before shovel meets dirt.
Pro Tip: Map waste flow scenarios during the design phase to preemptively address bottlenecks and reduce on-site inefficiencies.
Stakeholder Engagement
Waste management isn’t a one-team job. From contractors and local authorities to waste haulers and recyclers, bringing all parties on board helps align goals, reinforce compliance, and streamline operations.
Remember: A collaborative approach can significantly reduce mistakes and miscommunication down the line.
Innovative Technologies
Waste management strategies should be integrated from the very start. This ensures compliance with local regulations, optimises logistics, and aligns with sustainability benchmarks before shovel meets dirt.
Cultivating a Circular Mindset
Waste is often seen as a byproduct, but in a circular economy, it becomes a resource. Encouraging project teams and stakeholders to rethink waste usage not only cuts disposal costs but can also generate revenue.
Real-World Impact: Materials like concrete and metals can be reclaimed and repurposed, while organic waste from operations can be converted into compost or biofuel. Even packaging waste can be minimised through reuse initiatives, driving both cost savings and environmental benefits.
At AESG, implementing comprehensive waste management plans in giga projects has led to:
These improvements translate to lower project costs, enhanced operational efficiency, and stronger environmental performance—all critical factors in ensuring a project’s viability over decades.
The takeaway is clear: we must move beyond the linear “take-make-waste” model. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and circularity, giga projects can turn a potential liability—waste—into an opportunity for resource recovery and economic gain.
Did You Know?
The Global Waste Management Outlook (UNEP & ISWA) emphasises that adopting a circular economy approach can boost resource efficiency and mitigate negative environmental impacts worldwide.
If you’re involved in planning or executing a giga project—or any large-scale development—this is the perfect moment to integrate a forward-thinking, comprehensive waste management strategy. Contact us at AESG to learn how we can help you:
Assess
your current waste practices
Develop
tailored strategies that suit your project’s unique needs
Implement
innovative technologies
Continuously monitor and optimise
for maximum sustainability outcomes
AESG is an international Consultancy, Engineering and Advisory firm committed to driving sustainability in the built environment and beyond. With the highest calibre leadership team in our field, we pair technical knowledge with practical experience to provide hands-on, bespoke strategic solutions to our clients.
We have one of the largest dedicated specialist consultancy teams working on projects within the building, urban planning, infrastructure and strategic advisory sectors. With decades of cumulative experience, our team offers specialist expertise in sustainable design, sustainable engineering, MEPF, fire and life safety, façade engineering, commissioning, digital delivery, waste management, environmental consultancy, strategy and advisory, security consultancy, cost management and acoustics. Our prestigious portfolio demonstrates our extensive capabilities and our ability to consistently deliver best in class solutions to some of the industry’s most complex technical challenges.
Associate Director of Environment, AESG
Golnaz is the Associate Director for Environment at AESG. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, specialised in Solid Waste Management, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Golnaz is a professional, renowned for her expertise in solid waste management and sustainable environmental solutions.
Golnaz brings over 15 years of professional experience in both technical and commercial aspects of the waste management. In her role at AESG, she is involved in leading the waste management projects throughout the Middle East. She acts as the primary contact for the waste management business unit and drives forward business development in the sector through existing networks and new relationships.
Throughout her career, Golnaz has worked with various government agencies, international organisations, and private corporations, advising on waste management policies, developing waste management strategies, and designing sustainable waste management systems. Her guidance has led to the successful implementation of large-scale waste management projects, reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles.
A passionate advocate for environmental education, Golnaz has published numerous technical and scientific manuscripts and articles, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge within her field. She is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and seminars, where she shares her expertise and inspires others to take proactive measures for a greener and cleaner future.
For further information relating to specialist consultancy engineering services, feel free to contact us directly via info@aesg.com
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Cayan Business Tower
3rd, 6th & 11th Floor
Barsha Heights
P.O. Box 2556
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
T / +971 (0) 4 432 6242
305 Mermaid House
2 Puddle Dock
London, EC4V 3DS
United Kingdom
T / +44 (0) 208 037 8762
Office 37, Haibu Space
1st floor, Abu Dhabi Mall
Tourist Club Area
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
T / +971 (0) 2 201 2500
9391 Wadi Al Thummamah
2444 Al Olaya District
PO Box 12214
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
T / +966 (0) 112 278 288
111 Somerset Road
#08-10A, 111 Somerset
Singapore 238164
WeWork, 80 Strand St
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
T / +27 21 137 6444
49th Floor, Office No.117
8 Parramatta Square
Parramatta, Sydney
New South Wales 2150
Australia
T / +61 (0) 2 8042 6817
Enawalks, 4th Floor, Office 417
Leaders International College Road
2F97+6VJ New Cairo 1
Cairo Governorate 4724242
Egypt
T / +20 15 01692187
