What are the latest sustainable waste management practices for construction projects?

1 Waste hierarchy

The waste hierarchy is a framework that prioritizes the most preferable options for waste management, based on their environmental and economic implications. The hierarchy consists of five levels: prevention, minimization, reuse, recycling, and disposal. Prevention means avoiding generating waste in the first place, by designing for durability, modularity, and efficiency. Minimization means reducing the amount and toxicity of waste that is produced, by optimizing materials, processes, and packaging. Reuse means using waste materials again for the same or a different purpose, without altering their physical or chemical properties. Recycling means transforming waste materials into new products or materials, through mechanical or chemical processes. Disposal means discarding waste materials in landfills or incinerators, which should be the last resort.

2 Lean construction

Lean construction is a management approach that aims to eliminate waste and maximize value in construction projects, by applying the principles of lean manufacturing to the design, planning, and delivery phases. Lean construction focuses on optimizing the flow of materials, information, and resources, and minimizing the variability, uncertainty, and inefficiency that cause waste. Some of the tools and techniques that lean construction uses to achieve these goals are: value stream mapping, pull planning, last planner system, prefabrication, modularization, just-in-time delivery, and continuous improvement.

3 Circular economy

Circular economy is a concept that challenges the traditional linear model of production and consumption, which follows a "take-make-waste" pattern. Circular economy proposes a system that keeps materials and resources in use for as long as possible, and regenerates natural systems. Circular economy promotes the use of renewable energy, biodegradable materials, and closed-loop systems, and encourages the design of products and services that are durable, repairable, and adaptable. Circular economy also fosters the creation of new business models and partnerships that enable the sharing, leasing, and remanufacturing of products and materials.

4 Digital technology

Digital technology is a key enabler of sustainable waste management in construction projects, as it provides the tools and data to monitor, measure, and improve the performance and impact of waste management practices. Digital technology can help construction managers to: track and optimize the use of materials and resources, through sensors, RFID tags, and GPS devices; reduce errors and rework, through BIM, CAD, and 3D printing; enhance collaboration and communication, through cloud-based platforms, mobile apps, and digital twins; and analyze and report on waste generation and diversion, through data analytics, dashboards, and blockchain.

5 Green certification

Green certification is a voluntary process that verifies and recognizes the environmental performance and sustainability of construction projects, based on a set of criteria and standards. Green certification can help construction managers to: demonstrate their commitment and accountability to sustainable waste management practices, and gain a competitive edge in the market; comply with the regulatory and contractual requirements and expectations of clients, investors, and authorities; and access incentives and benefits, such as tax credits, rebates, and lower interest rates. Some of the most widely used green certification schemes for construction projects are: LEED, BREEAM, Green Star, and EDGE.

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?