Construction and demolition waste recycling: Investigating the role of theory of planned behavior, institutional pressures and environmental consciousness

The purpose of this study is to analyze the attitude of builders towards construction and demolition waste recycling in India. A conceptual framework was proposed using theory of planned behavior (perceived benefits, perceived costs, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control), institutional pressures (regulatory, normative and mimetic) and environmental consciousness on behavioral intention of builders towards construction and demolition waste recycling. Empirical data with 260 responses from different builders of construction sector in two large Indian cities were analyzed through partial least squares based structural equation modelling. The findings indicate that behavioral intention towards construction and demolition waste recycling is mainly driven by personal motivations (perceived benefits, perceived costs, attitude and perceived behavioral control), regulatory pressures and environmental consciousness. The study is relevant for policy makers, regulatory institutions, industry, and academia who study or manage construction and demolition waste and recycling. [Display omitted] •Recycling infrastructure development must be complemented with behavioral changes.•Framework combines TPB, Institutional Theory and Norm-Activation Theory.•Perceived benefits influence recycling attitude more strongly than perceived costs.•C&DW recycling behavioral intention is driven by personal motivations of builders.•Regulatory pressures affect C&DW recycling behavioral intention.