Construction is a very important industry, but it has been known to generate a significant amount of waste. This waste can come from leftover materials, packaging, or even mistakes during the building process.
While some waste is inevitable, there are some steps that construction companies could be taking to minimise their environmental impact, and potentially save some money in the process.
Here at Cornerstone Projects, we understand the importance of responsible construction practices, so we’ve put together a list of 5 ways to reduce waste on your construction site.
Plan ahead to minimise waste
By carefully planning your project from the outset, you can significantly reduce the amount of wasted materials that end up in landfills.
Some of the key steps to take include:
- Detailed material ordering:
One of the biggest contributors to construction waste is the over-ordering of materials. Take the time to meticulously plan your material needs based on architectural drawings and engineer specifications.
Make sure to factor in cutting allowances and account for potential oversights, but resist the urge to order excessive quantities. Finally, utilise reputable suppliers who can offer accurate estimates, and potentially even take back any unused materials after the project is finished.
- Embrace digital tools:
The use of advanced software programs allows for 3D modelling and precise material calculations. These tools can help to identify any potential clashes between different building components before construction has begun, preventing costly mistakes and material waste.
- Prefabrication:
Prefabrication involves constructing building elements off-site in a more controlled environment. This approach minimises on-site cutting, and allows for more precise material use, which ultimately leads to less waste.
- Standardisation:
Wherever possible, standardise materials across your projects. This allows for bulk purchasing, which can often lead to cost savings and minimises the amount of leftover, odd-sized materials.
Consider deconstruction over demolition
Demolition is the traditional method of tearing down old structures, and often results in a huge amount of debris that gets hauled away to landfills. Deconstruction on the other hand, involves carefully dismantling a building and salvaging any usable materials such as timber, bricks, fixtures, and even appliances.
While deconstruction requires more time and labour, it comes with a variety of benefits. For example, salvaged materials can be reused on the same project, sold to other construction companies, or donated to charity.
This not only reduces waste, but it can also generate additional revenue streams for the business.
Some additional benefits of deconstruction include:
- Environmental benefits: Deconstruction diverts tons of material from landfills, conserving valuable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Community benefits: Salvaged materials can be used for affordable housing projects, promoting a more sustainable construction ecosystem.
- Economic benefits: The sale of reusable materials can generate revenue for your company, while also creating jobs in the deconstruction and material processing sectors.
Embrace reuse and donation opportunities
Even with the most precise planning, some leftover materials are inevitable on a construction site. However, before you go throwing those materials away, consider opportunities for reuse or donation:
- Material reuse on-site: Leftover timber or even concrete can potentially be reused for temporary structures, shoring, or even incorporated into the final design (with some creativity).
- Material reuse on other projects: If you maintain a well-organised inventory of any leftover materials from previous projects, they can be a valuable resource for future builds, especially for smaller jobs or renovations.
- Material donation programs: Several charities and organisations accept donated building materials, so research local groups in your area that might be able to utilise your leftovers.
Implement a recycling program
For any materials that can’t be reused or donated, a well-designed recycling program can greatly reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills.
Some of the ways you can help to achieve this include:
- Designated recycling bins: Provide clearly labelled recycling bins on-site for any common construction materials such as metal, plastic, wood, or cardboard. It’s also important to educate your teams on the proper sorting procedures to avoid contamination.
- Partner with a recycling facility: Work with a reputable waste management company (more on that below) that specialises in construction site recycling. They can help by providing the appropriate bins, transportation, and processing for your recyclable materials.
- Explore innovative recycling technologies: New technologies are constantly emerging in the construction waste sector, so do your research and look for companies that offer service for recycling waste into usable materials for future projects.
Partner with waste management companies
Managing construction waste effectively requires a comprehensive strategy, and that’s where waste management specialists come in.
Partnering with a professional waste management company can provide valuable expertise and resources to streamline your waste reduction efforts.
Some of the things they can assist with include:
- Waste management plan development:
A qualified waste management company can assist you in developing a customised Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP), outlining your specific waste streams, establishing clear protocols for segregation and recycling, and identifying disposal options for unavoidable waste.
- Waste steam analysis:
Waste management professionals can analyse your project’s specific waste streams, and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective disposal methods. This might include partnering with recycling facilities or exploring alternative waste-to-energy options.
- On-going monitoring and support:
A good waste management partner will provide on-going monitoring and support throughout the duration of your project. This can include regular bin servicing, educational programs for your team, and data analysis to track your waste reduction progress.
Summary
If you follow these 5 steps, you can ensure that your construction company is significantly reducing your environmental impact, and helping to contribute to a more sustainable building future.
By implementing these waste reduction strategies, you can not only ensure that your projects are built on a solid foundation, but also minimise your environmental footprint throughout the building process.
But what are your thoughts? What are you currently doing on-site to reduce waste? Let us know by tweeting us @utilitysearches or sending a message to our LinkedIn page.
Brought in to help take the business to the next level! His role is to improve lead generation and customer satisfaction from over 7,000 registered clients. Jim loves interacting with potential and existing clients and has a wealth of marketing and sales experience through his previous roles at O2, the RAC and TalkTalk. Jim holds a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree majoring in Marketing. A season ticket holder at Liverpool FC and a keen golfer, Jim also loves the gym!