Waste is a global issue. If you don’t properly deal with your company’s waste, it poses a serious threat to your employees’ health and the surrounding environment. Waste management is one of the essential utility services underpinning modern-day society, particularly in urban areas. This means it’s everyone’s problem – and everyone’s responsibility. What’s more, by reducing your waste, you can reduce all three of the triple bottom lines of:
- The environment
- The project budget and your business
- The social/community impact
Here’s how…
Environmental
- You conserve space in existing landfills and clean fills and reduce the need for future landfills and clean fills.
- You reduce pollution and energy consumption associated with the manufacture of new materials.
- For destructive demolition, you reduce other impacts (e.g. noise, dust and traffic) on surrounding properties and streets.
Financial
- For construction, by using products more efficiently, you’ll reduce costs when it comes to purchasing new materials.
- By improving work efficiencies through:
- accurate detailed design
- a focus on reducing rework and temporary works and mistakes.
- For demolition, you can earn additional revenue from building parts you’ve salvaged and material that you recycle.
- Target contracts for projects that specify waste reduction procedures.
- By improving the productivity of staff, you can train them to manage their waste more efficiently.
Social
- Sound management will minimise the effect of hazardous or nuisance wastes on the community.
- Innovation and challenges (for example, the training and skills required for deconstruction) can help to attract and retain employees who are keen to develop skills.
- A high level of client satisfaction will enhance your company's image and encourage repeat business.
- Better waste management will improve site safety.
- For demolition, more careful dismantling techniques and correct removal and disposal (e.g. asbestos) will reduce risks from hazardous materials.
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