GOING GREEN

Attaining Sustainable
Construction

Wastage Elimination


Aun Ali Shamsi
Introduction

Green building (also known as green construction or
sustainable building) refers to a structure and using
process that is environmentally responsible and
resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle:
from design, construction, operation, maintenance,
renovation, and demolition.

This requires close cooperation of the design team, the
architects, the engineers, and the client at all project
stages

GOING GREEN
Going Green

Not only do green construction techniques save
you money, but they tap you into the mainstream
green building movement

Consumers and local governments seem eager to
back this movement, so read on and learn the
tactics that will have you seeing GREEN
GOING GREEN
Wastages in Construction

Prevent Waste in the Design Phase
Prevent Construction Waste on Site
Purchase to Prevent Construction Waste
Reuse/Recycle Waste On Site
Security to Prevent Waste Due to Theft
Material Recycling/Salvage Requirements
Filter/Divert Jobsite Water Runoff
Design for Deconstruction
GOING GREEN
1. Prevent Waste in the Design Phase

Set specific waste reduction goals at the beginning of the
project, target specific materials and activities

Get subcontractor buy in by including specs in your
contracts

Win employee buy in by incentivizing participation
(purchase "rewards" with portion of money saved)

Estimate when and where youll be generating waste use
this schedule to efficiently plan your methods of handling
waste
GOING GREEN
2. Prevent Construction Waste on Site

Construction sites generate massive amounts of waste
and not even talking about demolition

Ask suppliers to buy back unused items

Ask suppliers to replace all damaged materials

Ask suppliers to deliver materials in returnable pallets
and containers

Reassess your material storage practices to prevent loss
due to weather

GOING GREEN
3. Purchase to Prevent Construction Waste

When sourcing the materials for project you have an
opportunity to reduce waste, sometimes in very
significant ways. Purchase decisions have an impact on
the market, so cast your vote with your wallet.

If possible avoid material brands with excessive
packaging

Evaluate your current estimation process

When possible purchase reused, recycled and
renewable materials
GOING GREEN
4. Reuse/Recycle Waste On-Site

Make a designated area for onsite-reused materials
including lumber for fire blocking and spacers, scraps of
drywall for filler in hidden areas, etc.

Save concrete chunks, broken bricks, blocks and other
masonry rubble for backfill

Use cleared brush and trees chipped for mulch

Never throw away excess insulation install in interior
walls or on top of attic insulation for added protection
GOING GREEN
5. Security to Stop Waste Due to Theft

Theft on site and off site has always been a problem
and additional cost in construction concerns.

Stop this with live guards monitoring construction site

Using surveillance cameras for additional protection

Stop theft and vandalism before it costs you time or
money

GOING GREEN
6. Material Recycling/Salvage Requirements

Recycling and salvage companies may be your new best friends.
Some of them will even turn your waste into cash. Call them, get
to know them and learn what their requirements are for
materials they recover from construction sites.

Local government may have recycling options for you as well.
And remember, theres always SOMEONE out there who might
want to use your waste material

Research your local recycling and salvage options
Which ones pay cash and for which materials?
Who can use unsalable materials?

GOING GREEN
7. Filter/Divert Jobsite Water Runoff

Jobsite runoff, whether pollutants from vehicles and cement
mixing or from topsoil washed away in storms, can be very
expensive in the form of fines and even injunctions or
restraining orders that keep you from working.

Provide stabilization temporary or permanent by planting
rye grass

Protect all drain inlets, outlets with rock arranged in check
dam formation AND silt fencing

Check your drain control measure weekly

Continually monitor vehicles for leaks
GOING GREEN
Design for Deconstruction

Designing for deconstruction (also Design for Disassembly
and "DfD") reduces costs at the end of a buildings life
cycle. This process also makes it easier to add on to the
existing structure.

Design so that the building is easy to take apart either for
reuse or adding on

When possible use bolts instead of glue
GOING GREEN
Thank you!