Reducing Construction Waste
Due to the COVID shutdowns and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the world has moved from a period of surplus to one of shortage and scarcity, and there is nowhere where this is clearer than for construction materials. Prices have skyrocketed and lead times have doubled or even tripled in length yet as whole we have not done much to reduce waste of these valuable and increasingly scarce resources.
The construction industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world. Estimates reveal that construction and demolition activities account for approximately 40% of the solid waste generated yearly. This statistic amounts to nearly 100 million tons of waste in the United States alone.
Large construction projects typically generate a significant amount of waste, including excess building materials, packaging, and demolition debris. However, there are several ways to minimize material waste during these projects, including:
- Plan and Design: Careful planning and design can help to reduce the amount of waste generated during construction. Consider using materials that can be recycled, reused, or repurposed, and design buildings that are energy-efficient and require fewer materials.
- Use Precise Measurement: Take accurate measurements of materials required for the project to ensure that there is no excess material that would eventually be wasted.
- Pre-Order Accurately: Order only the necessary number of materials needed for the project. Ordering materials in bulk may seem like a cost-effective approach, but it can result in more waste. Pre-Ordering is necessary now to ensure materials will be available when needed but use caution and confirm that the design is firm for IFC and that quantities will not decrease significantly.
- Kit Material: Prepare construction work packages in advance and only send out what is needed. Left to their own devices, construction crews will tend to take more than what is needed for installation. By only sending what is needed, you’ll reduce excess material lost in the field.
- Reuse or Recycle: Set up a system for recycling or reusing materials whenever possible. This can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. If you are running multiple projects, where possible, try to communize specifications to facilitate transfer of material between projects.
- Monitor and Track Waste: Track the waste generated during the project to find areas for improvement. This information can be used to adjust waste reduction strategies and improve the overall sustainability of the project. Make waste tracking part of your after-action report and try to improve on future projects.
- Reclaim and reuse material: Collect, clean and inventory excess material for future projects or spares.
- Engage Employees and Stakeholders: Educate employees, contractors, and stakeholders about the importance of waste reduction and how they can contribute to the effort.
By implementing these strategies, construction companies can minimize material waste, save money, and reduce their environmental impact. Give Ontraxsys a call if you’d like more information on ways to reduce waste and save money.
