MoreThanWaste.com - “Waste neutrality” used as tool in construction performance (22/06/2007)

"The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out"

Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP

WRAP has launched its proposed ‘Net Waste Method’ which it anticipates will provide a practical means by which construction professionals can develop and measure a project’s performance in achieving “waste neutrality”.

Waste neutrality can be defined according to WRAP as:

where the value of construction materials wasted is equal to the value of additional reused and recycled content employed on a project; and
a process which can be achieved with no net increase in environmental impact.

Use of this approach is aimed at promoting consideration of all aspects of materials efficiency: reducing waste, recycling waste that does arise and using materials with recycled content.

The report says that waste neutrality sits alongside other high-level targets such as carbon neutrality and water efficiency. These three key areas are where construction can improve its resource efficiency.

WRAP says that by utilising the ‘Net Waste Method’ as a transparent performance measurement tool, construction clients should be able to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability credentials thereby encouraging contractors to deliver real results in terms of reducing waste and increasing recycled content.

Setting requirements to reduce Net Waste as part of the development specification should provide a clear opportunity for construction clients across the public and private sectors to lead by example, according to the material efficiency, delivery organisation.

Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP, explains:

“As a result of its appearance in public policy documents such as Defra’s Waste Strategy, the goal of ‘waste neutrality’ is gaining increasing recognition in the construction industry. This has generated a growing need for a clear definition and an industry standard. The Net Waste Method aims to provide this standard, and allow clients and contractors to demonstrate a committed approach to sustainability. It presents a real opportunity to lead by example.”

The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out. The focus on value helps contractors identify priorities for action and offers industry an opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits through waste reduction and improved site waste management. This approach will also enable clients to assess the business case for becoming waste neutral.

Don Ward, Chief Executive at Constructing Excellence, said:

“Constructing Excellence supports WRAP’s Net Waste Method. Key to delivering performance improvement in construction is effective, practical measurement. We hope that construction clients look carefully at this real opportunity for improving profitability and reducing impact on the environment.”

The Net Waste Method is practical and can be adopted into a project’s reporting processes in areas such as Site Waste Management Plans. It will provide a new way for clients to work alongside industry to encourage and improve upon sustainable performance.

Further information

To find out more about exemplar projects and measurement of Net Waste, visit www.wrap.org/construction or call the helpline on 0808 100 2040.

WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.


	“Waste neutrality” used as tool in construction performance (22/06/2007) "The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out" Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP WRAP has launched its proposed ‘Net Waste Method’ which it anticipates will provide a practical means by which construction professionals can develop and measure a project’s performance in achieving “waste neutrality”. Waste neutrality can be defined according to WRAP as: where the value of construction materials wasted is equal to the value of additional reused and recycled content employed on a project; and a process which can be achieved with no net increase in environmental impact. Use of this approach is aimed at promoting consideration of all aspects of materials efficiency: reducing waste, recycling waste that does arise and using materials with recycled content. The report says that waste neutrality sits alongside other high-level targets such as carbon neutrality and water efficiency. These three key areas are where construction can improve its resource efficiency. WRAP says that by utilising the ‘Net Waste Method’ as a transparent performance measurement tool, construction clients should be able to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability credentials thereby encouraging contractors to deliver real results in terms of reducing waste and increasing recycled content. Setting requirements to reduce Net Waste as part of the development specification should provide a clear opportunity for construction clients across the public and private sectors to lead by example, according to the material efficiency, delivery organisation. Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP, explains: “As a result of its appearance in public policy documents such as Defra’s Waste Strategy, the goal of ‘waste neutrality’ is gaining increasing recognition in the construction industry. This has generated a growing need for a clear definition and an industry standard. The Net Waste Method aims to provide this standard, and allow clients and contractors to demonstrate a committed approach to sustainability. It presents a real opportunity to lead by example.” The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out. The focus on value helps contractors identify priorities for action and offers industry an opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits through waste reduction and improved site waste management. This approach will also enable clients to assess the business case for becoming waste neutral. Don Ward, Chief Executive at Constructing Excellence, said: “Constructing Excellence supports WRAP’s Net Waste Method. Key to delivering performance improvement in construction is effective, practical measurement. We hope that construction clients look carefully at this real opportunity for improving profitability and reducing impact on the environment.” The Net Waste Method is practical and can be adopted into a project’s reporting processes in areas such as Site Waste Management Plans. It will provide a new way for clients to work alongside industry to encourage and improve upon sustainable performance. Further information To find out more about exemplar projects and measurement of Net Waste, visit www.wrap.org/construction or call the helpline on 0808 100 2040. WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.