We recommend that you take the time to review your waste reduction efforts throughout the project, but also when completed.
It might be helpful to get everyone involved - including staff, contractors, designers, and the client - in coming together to discuss and find solutions to any problems that come up.
Use your waste minimisation plan including waste reduction goals as a starting point in your discussion. Remember that your review process keep discussion to your team in the context of your region. Try not to compare your self to others in the construction sector, but focus on what YOU are doing.
The review process should cover:
✔️ Strengths in reducing and managing waste throughout the project
✔️ Challenges and lessons learned in reducing and managing waste
✔️ Explanation of any goals in the original waste minimisation plan that weren’t met
✔️ Actions for future projects that would further reduce waste minimisation
✔️ Any other comments or needs regarding future waste minimisation
Discussion questions to ask you and your team:
- did you reach your percentage targets set at the beginning of the project in the waste minimisation plan?
- where intended targets were met? If so, consider setting more ambitious targets for the next project
- how much money did you save by reducing waste?
- how much material was diverted from landfill and cleanfill?
- what worked well?
- what didn’t work well?
- what would you differently next time?
Did you encounter any problems? These could include:
- irregular or inconsistent record keeping
- bin contamination
- inadequate storage facilities
- trouble estimating/measuring waste quantities
- reduced staff motivation as the project progressed
- trouble finding waste transfer operators
- trouble finding out reuse-recycling drop off locations?
Identify any problems and try and work out reasons for them:
- was your staff training adequate?
- were your separation storage bins well placed for protection and convenience?
- what sorts of materials were incorrectly placed in the bins?
- what sort of materials were wasted and why?
Add your ideas about strengths, weaknesses and suggested actions to the REBRI Waste minimisation plan.
Spread the word!
- tell BRANZ about your project so we can include a featured project on our website.
- publicise your successes in waste reduction and resource efficiency when marketing your services
- advertise in trade newspapers and websites
- provide information on your successes for articles in design and construction newsletters and magazines or on social media
- join the Toitū enviromark programme for external accreditation of your environmental management
- join industry organisations such as WasteMINZ, New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association or the Sustainable Business Network to network with peers
See our directory for more information and contact details.
Updated: 22 July 2024