Designing for Resource Efficiency

Designing for Resource EfficiencyWasteMINZ conferenceChristchurch14 – 16 October 2009

Presented by: Lisa Eve

Less waste, sharper designreducing construction wastethrough design

Introduction

UK Construction Waste−single largest waste stream−400 million tonnes of material−120 million tonnes of waste−60 million tonnes recycled−single largest producer of hazardous waste−Action led by WRAP−National legislation−Sustainable Construction Strategy 2008−50% reduction by 2012

Quick comparison to New ZealandNZ Construction Waste−“a large source of waste”−20% of landfill, 80% of cleanfill?−Identified as a priority waste−50% reduction by 2008−MfE – REBRI−BRANZ−Green Building Council−No national legislation−No recent target

What is WRAP?

Waste & Resources Action Programmegovernment funded, not for profit organisation

“ WRAP works with local authorities, business and households to prevent waste, increase recycling and develop markets for recycled and sustainable products.

It is our aim to create the case for change, support change and deliver change. “

leads action in many waste sectors, including construction

WRAP in construction

WRAP works with …

−Clients

−Designers

−Contractors

−Suppliers

−Waste collectors & processors

The Construction Commitments:Halving Waste to Landfill

− create design solutions that minimise waste and

use resources efficiently;

− identify for clients and contractors the best

opportunities to reduce waste and use more

recovered material;

− measure the potential improvement at project

level;

− support teams in broadening their knowledge of

resource efficient design; and

− report annually on overall corporate performance.

designers’ actions

Why take action?

Finance Achieve real cost

reductions

Reputation Achieve clear market

recognition

Environment Demonstrate clear

environmental credentials

Policy Contribute to

strategic objectives

Why take action?

−Exemplar projects

Case studies

−Design review methodology

−Design team guide

DfRE programme : so far

The 5 DfRE principles

Five Principles

Design for :

1. Reuse and recovery

2. Off site construction

3. Material optimisation

4. Waste efficient procurement

5. Deconstruction & flexibility

Design for reuse and recovery

Key questions

−Can materials from demolition be reused in the design?

−Can reclaimed products or components be reused?

−Can materials be reused at their highest value?

−Can excavation materials be reused?

−Can cut and fill balance be achieved?How can it be optimised to avoid spoil removal from site? reuse & recovery

Design for off-site construction

Key Questions

−Can any part of the design be manufactured off site?

−Can site activities become a process of assembly rather than construction?

off site construction

Design for materials optimisation

Key questions

−Can the design, form and layout be simplified?

−Can the design be coordinated to minimise excess cutting and jointing?

−Is the building designed to standard material dimensions?

−Can the range of materials required be standardised to encourage reuse of off-cuts?

−Is there repetition and coordination of design to reduce number of variables?

materials optimisation

Design for waste efficient procurement

Key questions

−Has research been carried out by the Design Team to identify where onsite waste arises?

−Have specialist contractors been consulted on how to reduce waste in the supply chain?

−Have the project specifications been reviewed to select elements / components / materials and construction processes that reduce waste?

waste efficient procurement

Design for deconstruction and flexibility

Key questions

−Is the design adaptable for a variety of purposes during its life span?

−Does the design incorporate reusable/recyclable components and materials?

−Are the building elements/components/materials easily disassembled?

deconstruction & flexibility

The design review methodology

Design Review Methodology

−Use existing design team meetings

−RIBA stage C

−Facilitated workshop

−Review

−basic methodology outlined

−more detailed methodology in development

Design Review Methodology – reasoning session

Implementation

Impact on waste

reduction

difficult easy

high

low

Design Review Methodology – next steps

next steps

−Decide on options - prioritise

−Allocate responsibilities

−Review at meetings

−Record in Site Waste Management Plan

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving effective waste minimisation

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving effective waste minimisation

−Design Team Guide

Other Tools and Resources

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving effective waste minimisation

−Design Team Guide

−Case Studies

Other Tools and Resources

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving effective waste minimisation

−Design Team Guide

−Case Studies

−Net Waste Tool

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving effective waste minimisation

−Design Team Guide

−Case Studies

−Net Waste Tool

−Achieving good practice in regeneration projects

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving good practice in regeneration projects

−Recycled Products Guide

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving good practice in regeneration projects

−Recycled Products Guide

−‘Rules of Thumb’

Other Tools and Resources

−Achieving good practice in regeneration projects

−Recycled Products Guide

−‘Rules of Thumb’

−Site Waste Management Plan Template

Other Tools and Resources

wrap.org.uk/construction

Summary

- Background to reducing waste to landfill

- Designers’ key role

- Integral part of sustainable construction

- Five principles

- Practical application

- Tools and resources

- More detailed assessment methodology in development – to become a ‘tool’

Contact Details

Lisa EveEunomia Research & Consultinglisa@eunomia-consulting.co.nz

Office: +64 7 308 5336www.eunomia-consulting.co.nz