Constructing Sustainability: How to Achieve Zero Waste Goals in the Building Industry?

Today's blog post is dedicated to a crucial and increasingly relevant topic in the construction and building management industry: achieving zero waste goals. The journey towards zero waste in buildings is not just an environmental imperative but also a strategic approach to resource management, cost reduction, and sustainable development. Here are five steps to help you reach your zero waste goals in buildings, drawing insights from a community call on zero waste for construction featuring a lineup of industry experts.

1. Embrace the Upstream Approach

The first step towards achieving zero waste is to adopt an upstream approach. This means prioritizing actions that prevent waste generation in the first place. In the construction industry, this can involve:

• Designing for Deconstruction: Design buildings with materials that can be easily disassembled and reused or recycled at the end of their life.
• Material Selection: Choose materials that are durable, recyclable, and, where possible, made from recycled content.
• Waste Prevention Plans: Develop comprehensive waste prevention plans that include measures for reducing excess packaging, encouraging suppliers to take back waste, and using precision in ordering materials to avoid overstock.

2. Redesign, Rethink, Reduce, and Reuse

A significant part of the zero waste journey involves rethinking how resources are used and exploring opportunities for redesign, reduction, and reuse. This can include:

• Modular Construction: Utilize prefabricated and modular construction methods to minimize waste on-site.
• Reuse of Materials: Salvage and reuse materials from demolition sites or renovations. This not only reduces waste but also preserves the embodied energy of these materials.
• Rethinking Resources: Consider alternative materials and methods that generate less waste. For instance, using drywall with higher recycled content or opting for mechanical fasteners that allow for material recovery and reuse.

3. Implement Robust Recycling Programs

While the focus should be on preventing waste, recycling remains a critical component of the zero waste strategy. To enhance recycling efforts:

• Comprehensive Recycling Facilities: Ensure that recycling facilities for various materials (e.g., metal, glass, plastic, and paper) are accessible during construction and operational phases.
• Educate and Engage: Train your team on recycling protocols and engage them in the process. Clear signage and convenient recycling bin placements can improve participation rates.
• Track and Optimize: Monitor recycling rates and adjust strategies as needed to improve outcomes. This data can also be valuable for reporting and certification purposes.

4. Foster a Circular Economy

Promoting a circular economy within the construction industry can significantly contribute to zero waste goals. This involves:

• Material Passports: Implement material passports for buildings to document the materials used and facilitate their recovery and reuse.
• Collaboration: Work with manufacturers, suppliers, and waste management companies to create closed-loop systems where materials are continually cycled through the economy rather than disposed of.
• Innovation: Encourage innovation in material use, waste management technologies, and business models that support material recovery and reuse.

5. Engage Stakeholders and Promote Policy Change

Achieving zero waste in buildings is not just a technical challenge but also a matter of policy and stakeholder engagement. To this end:

• Advocate for Supportive Policies: Work with local governments and industry associations to advocate for policies that support zero waste, such as landfill bans for construction and demolition waste, incentives for recycling, and requirements for waste prevention planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage all stakeholders, including clients, contractors, suppliers, and the local community, in your zero waste goals. Education and transparency can foster a shared commitment to sustainability.
• Certification and Recognition: Pursue certification through programs like TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) to validate your efforts and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

In conclusion, reaching zero waste goals in buildings requires a comprehensive and proactive approach that encompasses design, construction, operation, and end-of-life phases. By embracing upstream strategies, fostering a circular economy, and engaging stakeholders, the construction industry can make significant strides toward sustainability and resource efficiency.