Construction Waste Reduction: The Responsible Way To Build

Filed in Blog by on September 20, 2018 0 Comments
FavoriteLoadingAdd article to favourites

man on construction site wearing hard hatI’ve been thinking about housing recently.

What with my parents downshifting, my daughter applying for universities, my neighbour moving out, visiting a friend this week and seeing white goods and unused kitchen cupboards thrown out on the kerb, stories about population increasing and people living longer (and usually alone) – which means we have a shortage of housing – it’s on my mind!

Notably because, while the need for new infrastructure is inevitable; the unfortunate outcome of this need is that the construction sector is one of the most wasteful.

So while you might not build a new house or move every day, it’s worth keeping in mind tips and ideas that might come in useful when you, a family member, or a friend, does.

Choose the right Real Estate Company / Estate Agent

Real estate companies such as Frisco real estate handle anything and everything about properties. They oversee the design, construction, and sales of the properties that are under their care, all while ensuring your construction project does not produce excessive amounts of waste. (One of the companies they work with have twice won the Builder Integrity Award which covers technical excellence and ethical practise).

Planning Phase

This phase is essential, owing to the fact that this is where expectations and goals are set. It’s here that project managers are tasked with informing contractors of the importance of minimizing waste.

This is done through precise planning to ensure that little to no errors are committed during the course of the project. After all, errors often mean that you need to throw out the materials used in the making of that error.

Pre-Construction

This stage is also essential because this is where the exact amount of materials required for the project is determined. Being able to make an accurate estimate greatly reduces the possibility of ending up with surplus materials. Not only that, but the contractors involved in the project are then informed of how they are to conduct their duties.

Letting your contractors become aware of why there’s a need to sort construction waste materials as well as preserve what they can is essential to minimizing the waste your project produces.

Deconstruction

Not every project is a new construction. Sometimes, contractors do house remodeling projects. It’s during these times when it’s better, albeit, more task intensive, to deconstruct, rather than to demolish. By deconstructing, you can make use of the next point on the list…

Material Recovery and Reuse

Not only are you able to reduce the amount of waste you produce, but you also get to save a significant amount of money by doing so. Apart from not having to buy new materials, you no longer have to pay for the transport of these materials, nor will you have to pay landfill fees.

 

About the Author ()

I am a long time supporter of the Green and Sustainable lifestyle. After being caught in the Boscastle floods in 2004, our family begun a journey to respect and promote the importance of Earth's fragile ecosystem, that focussed on reducing waste. Inspired by the beauty and resourcefulness of this wonderful planet, I have published numerous magazine articles on green issues and the author of four books.

Leave a Reply