Construction and demolition (C&D) waste contributes heavily to landfill volumes, prompting the industry to adopt more sustainable waste management practices. It is responsible for more than one third of all waste generated in the EU. Currently the construction sector faces significant environmental challenges, particularly concerning waste management.
This blog post explores how leading construction companies are pioneering innovative strategies to manage both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, focusing on whole life cycle carbon reporting and compliance with recent legislation like the Waste Framework Directive, CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and CSDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive).
Measuring and Enhancing Waste Diversion in the construction sector
According to the European Waste Framework Directive the following objectives were set:
- “by 2020, the preparing for re-use, recycling and other material recovery of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste (excluding naturally occurring material defined in category 17 05 04 in the list of waste) shall be increased to a minimum of 70 % by weight
- promote selective demolition to enable removal and safe handling of hazardous substances and facilitate re-use and high-quality recycling by selective removal of materials and establishing sorting systems
- reduce waste generation”
At WeGoZero we support companies to conduct waste audits (or pre-demolition audit as defined in the European Demolition Protocol to measure waste diversion and help to improve it towards 90 % and beyond. Contact us for more information:
Understanding Construction and Demolition Waste
There are two types of construction & demolition waste that we need to distinguish between:
- Non-hazardous: Includes concrete, wood, timber, metals (steel, aluminum, copper), drywall (gypsum board), and plastics (PVC, packaging, insulation).
- Hazardous: Includes asbestos, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury, which require special handling and disposal methods due to their potential environmental and health risks.
Those materials are divided into high & low resource values. The technology to separate and recover building materials is well established and easily accessible already. The current level of waste diversion in the construction industry ranges between 10 % to over 90 %.
The Importance of Waste Audits for C&D waste in Construction
What is a Waste Audit?
A waste audit for C&D waste provides a detailed analysis of the materials in a building slated for demolition, assessing waste estimates and management strategies. This process is vital for recycling, meeting permit requirements, and ensuring efficient waste planning. The audit outcomes help in:
- Identifying the types and quantities of waste generated.
- Recommending appropriate waste handling partners and strategies, including reuse, recycling, and energy recovery.
When to Conduct a Waste Audit:
- Before the Call for Tenders: To incorporate waste management requirements into tender specifications.
- Before Applying for Permits: To use audit insights to inform permit applications.
- Post-Project Review: To refine future waste management practices based on actual project outcomes.
Benefits of Conducting Waste Audits for C&D Projects:
- Enhanced Recycling and Reuse: Detailed audits help identify which materials can be diverted from landfills through recycling or reuse, contributing to resource conservation and reducing environmental footprint.
- Regulatory Compliance: Waste audits assist in complying with local and international regulations by ensuring proper disposal of hazardous waste and supporting documentation for sustainable waste management practices.
- Cost Management: By identifying cost-effective disposal options and maximizing material recovery, waste audits can lead to significant cost savings in construction projects.
- Sustainability Goals: Audits are critical for companies aiming to meet sustainability targets such as those outlined by BREEAM, LEED, or DGNB certification standards, which often include stringent waste management and diversion criteria.
Pioneering Companies and Practices
Several leading construction firms are at the forefront of implementing effective waste management strategies:
1. Skanska
- Focus: Skanska is known for its commitment to reducing waste generation through sustainable construction practices and has been actively involved in promoting the BREEAM certification standards.
- Initiatives: They implement rigorous waste diversion tactics to handle both hazardous and non-hazardous waste responsibly.
2. Turner Construction Company
- Focus: Turner Construction is a proponent of LEED certification and engages in comprehensive waste management planning from the project’s outset.
- Initiatives: Their projects often feature extensive recycling programs and efforts to design out waste, aiming for high diversion rates from landfills.
- Focus: This company is a leader in whole life cycle carbon reporting, helping to track and minimize the carbon footprint across the entire supply chain.
- Initiatives: Balfour Beatty’s approach includes advanced demolition and deconstruction practices that prioritize material recovery and recycling.
Regulations and Reporting Standards
Navigating Compliance and Enhancing Sustainability
- CSRD & Waste Reporting: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) enforces detailed documentation on construction and demolition (C&D) waste, in alignment with the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. This Directive mandates that at least 70% of C&D waste be recycled, with audits to assess materials’ potential for reuse and recycling. The Circular Economy Package also supports this, emphasizing the importance of thorough waste audits to maximize recovery and minimize landfill dependency
- CSDD & Supply Chain Management: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD) strengthens waste management transparency across supply chains by promoting traceability of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, aligning with best practices like selective demolition. This approach ensures adherence to EU standards, furthering sustainable waste handling and recovery initiatives throughout the C&D lifecycle
Certification Standards: BREEAM, LEED, DGNB
- Achieving sustainability certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, or DGNB requires rigorous waste management and reduction strategies. These certifications not only enhance a company’s marketability but also ensure compliance with international environmental standards.
Impact and Future Outlook
Reducing Environmental Footprint
- The construction sector’s shift towards better waste management and sustainability practices significantly reduces its environmental footprint, promoting a more circular economy and reducing waste-related emissions.
Future Trends
- The trend towards zero waste in construction is gaining momentum, with more companies investing in technology and processes that enable higher recycling rates and the reuse of materials. We support you driving your waste diversion rate over 90 % – contact us for more information.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future
The construction industry’s move towards sustainable waste management practices is an encouraging sign of its commitment to environmental responsibility. By adopting innovative waste management strategies, enhancing recycling rates, and striving for zero waste to landfill, the sector is not only complying with rigorous regulatory requirements but also leading by example in the transition to a sustainable future.
Call to Action
Join the movement towards sustainable construction. Learn from the leaders, adopt proven waste management strategies, and contribute to building a greener planet. For more insights and detailed case studies, request our detailed exploration of best practices in construction waste management.
