Gehad Mohamed
Adopting Material Passports in New Zealand’s Construction Sector: Investigating Strategic Approaches for Effective Implementation
My research focuses on the adoption of Material Passports (MPs) in New Zealand’s construction sector. MPs are digital documents that store and track information about materials used in buildings, promoting transparency, sustainability, and circular economy practices. As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, the adoption of MPs has the potential to enhance resource efficiency by enabling the reuse, recycling, and recovery of building materials. The aim of my research is to explore the factors influencing the adoption of MPs in New Zealand’s construction sector and to develop strategies to enhance their implementation. This involves analyzing both internal and external factors that either hinder or support the transition to MPs. Internal factors include issues such as a lack of data standardization, high implementation costs, and resistance to change within the industry. External factors encompass regulatory requirements, market demand for sustainable practices, and advancements in digital technologies. A key aspect of my research is identifying the most critical factors for further investigation and formulating practical strategies to address challenges while leveraging opportunities. I utilize strategic decision-making frameworks to develop solutions tailored to New Zealand’s construction context. By providing insights into the challenges and benefits of adopting MPs, my research aims to contribute to a more sustainable and circular construction industry in New Zealand. The outcomes of this work are expected to assist policymakers, construction companies, and other stakeholders in understanding how to overcome barriers and implement MPs effectively. Ultimately, my research supports the broader goal of promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste in the built environment, aligning with global sustainability targets.
Supervisors
Professor Andre Brown & Dr Nigel Isaacs
Qualifications
Master’s in Environmental Sciences and industrial Development, faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS) Beni-Suef University.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering, Fayoum university - Egypt
Publications
1- Mohamed, G., Brown, A., & Isaacs, N. (2023). Towards a circular economy: A review of the current challenges and potential for recycling construction waste materials in New Zealand. 56th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA), Launceston, Australia. https://archscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/680-693-Mohamed-Bron-Isaacs.pdf
2- Mohamed, G. R., Mahmoud, R. K., Shaban, M., Fahim, I. S., Abd El‑Salam, H. M., & Mahmoud, H. M. (2023). Towards a circular economy: valorization of banana peels by developing bio-composites thermal insulators. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 12756.
3- Mohamed, G. R., Mahmoud, R. K., Fahim, I. S., Shaban, M., Abd El-Salam, H. M., & Mahmoud, H. M. (2022). Bio-composite thermal insulation materials based on banana leaves fibers and polystyrene: physical and thermal performance. Journal of Natural Fibers, 19(13), 4806-4821.
Conference Presentations
Towards a circular economy: A review of the current challenges and potential for recycling construction waste materials in New Zealand. 56th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA). Online presentation.