How can you reduce building waste while keeping occupants comfortable?

1 Assess your waste streams

The first step to reduce building waste is to understand what, where, and how much you are generating. You can conduct a waste audit to identify the types and sources of waste in your facility, such as paper, plastic, food, hazardous materials, and construction debris. You can also measure the volume and weight of your waste, and track the disposal methods and costs. This will help you establish a baseline, set realistic targets, and prioritize your actions.

2 Implement waste reduction policies

The next step is to implement policies and practices that prevent or minimize waste generation at the source. For example, you can adopt paperless processes, use reusable or biodegradable packaging, purchase durable and repairable equipment, and donate or sell unwanted items. You can also educate and engage your occupants and staff on the benefits and best practices of waste reduction, such as using digital tools, avoiding single-use items, and sorting waste correctly.

3 Optimize waste management systems

The third step is to optimize your waste management systems to ensure efficient and compliant collection, transportation, and disposal of waste. You can use smart bins and sensors to monitor the fill levels and types of waste in your facility, and automate the scheduling and routing of waste pickups. You can also use data analytics and dashboards to track your waste performance and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, you can partner with reputable waste contractors and recyclers to ensure proper handling and processing of your waste.

4 Invest in waste reduction technologies

The fourth step is to invest in technologies that can help you reduce waste and improve occupant comfort. For example, you can use building automation systems (BAS) to control and optimize the lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation in your facility, and reduce energy waste and emissions. You can also use smart meters and devices to monitor and manage the water consumption and leakage in your facility, and reduce water waste and costs. Furthermore, you can use green building materials and solutions, such as solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting, to reduce your environmental impact and enhance your occupant well-being.

5 Evaluate and improve your waste performance

The final step is to evaluate and improve your waste performance on a regular basis. You can use key performance indicators (KPIs), such as waste diversion rate, waste intensity, and waste cost savings, to measure your progress and compare it with your targets and benchmarks. You can also solicit feedback from your occupants and staff on their satisfaction and suggestions regarding your waste reduction efforts. Additionally, you can stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in waste management, and seek opportunities to learn from other FMs and experts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?