Sustainable Construction

Reduce, Reclaim, Re-use, Recycle
Minimising Housing Construction Waste
Recycling Through Demolition
Minimise Commercial Construction Waste
Segregate and recycle waste

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USE THE 4 'R' STRATEGY

Reduce Reclaim Re-use Recycle

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors ( RICS ) has published three guides, which are aimed at minimising waste in construction projects. They help, by providing practical steps, which contractors of any size can follow, with the aim to reduce landfill and transport costs. It is estimated that 13m tonnes of site materials are thrown away in the UK alone every year.  

The leaflets can be obtained by contacting Building Control Consultancy on 01628 796870 or alternatively by visiting the RICS website at http://www.rics.org.uk/.

Minimising Housing Construction Waste

http://www.rics.org

Did you know ?

• If you care about the world you live in, want to help build a better quality of life, and save money into the bargain, then you should promote sustainable buildings.
• The average waste on a new building can be as high as 10-15%. Target a maximum of 5% and save £1000-£12000.
• A skip full of waste is a skip full of money, and to add injury to insult, you will pay to have it removed from site and then pay landfill tax. 

Recycling Through Demolition

http://www.rics.org 

Did you know ?

• The world's natural resources are gradually running out, and that at the current rate of use, some natural resources will not be available for future generations.
• Over 80% of construction materials come from natural resources e.g. aggregates, timber,clay etc.
• In most cases over 85% of demolition materials can be reduced, reclaimed, re-used and recycled.
• It is time to re-examine our approach to demolition and our attitude to the use of demolition materials.

Minimise Commercial Construction Waste

http://www.rics.org

Did you know that you must register as a carrier of controlled waste if :

• You transport construction or demolition waste including waste from preparatory work ( construction waste includes waste arising from improvement, repair or alteration ).
• You transport waste in the course of your business or for profit.

Segregate and recycle waste

• Eliminate or reduce waste occuring at source.
• Segregate physical waste then recycle onsite, sell it, donate it to a charity - only as a last resort dispose to landfill.
• Collaborate with waste companies and salvage firms to develop disposal and collection services.
• Put a value on waste items and educate people to understand and contribute to the process.

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