Understanding and managing waste and resource efficiency in supply chains
Over 50 of our Partners and their suppliers collaborate through the School to share best practice of waste-related activities, discuss problem areas and take action to move towards a circular economy.
Find out more about waste and resource efficiency on our topic page.
The current linear economy of ‘take – make – dispose’ – taking resources from the ground to make products which we use and then dispose of – is no longer working for the built environment.
We must move to a circular economy which is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems.
Through its Partners and member companies across the sector, the School has an extensive presence and reach to make a significant difference.
The School’s Waste and Resource Use Group is the forum to enable this change; proactive businesses have come together to make consistent decisions and take action against waste in their own organisations and supply chains.
The group aims to drive a reduction in waste and to improve resource management within the industry value chain; through products, works and services procured.
How will this be achieved?
The group is working to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency by developing understanding on key issues and priorities. Its workplan focuses on three priority areas:
- mapping and materials
- procurement and supply chain engagement
- measurement and reporting
The group includes representation from all of the School’s markets and interest areas, including: infrastructure, homes, construction, offsite and facilities management.
Specific learning materials are available via the School’s resource library to educate and upskill supply chains, helping to enable a common understanding across client, designer, main contractor, FM service provider, supplier and subcontractor communities.
A practical guide to
Reducing construction lifecycle waste
These resources help users from all parts of the built environment value chain reduce construction lifecycle waste.
Explore themes and topics for practical examples, learning about the different stages and aspects of a wide variety of construction projects.
Explore more themes
1. Pre Construction Clients & Design Teams
Select an aim using the menu below
Increasing demand for circularity and more resource efficient build mean that we will need to design buildings with their end of life in mind
Waste and Resource Efficiency
ASBP – Designing for the Deconstruction Process
Document / Presentation
60 minutesWaste and Resource Efficiency
Case Study: Design for Deconstruction – PassivHaus
Case Study
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Design for Deconstruction
Web link
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Design for Disassembly: TEDI-London Canada Water
Case Study
Designing using elements or even whole structures which are manufactured offsite can reduce waste significantly
Management Capabilities
DfMA Overlay To The RIBA Plan Of Work: 2nd Edition
Document / Presentation
Design for Manufacture and Assembly
The MMC Categories
Video
Logistics
Case Study: The Forge (Platform Approach)
Video
Management Capabilities
Offsite Fundamentals – Sectors
E-learning Module
Materials
Offsite Fundamentals – Systems
E-learning Module
Management Capabilities
Kier’s Modern Methods of Construction Database
Web link
Designing out waste at design stage is the single most effective action that can be taken
Waste and Resource Efficiency
WRAP – Designing Out Waste guide: Civil engineers
Document / Presentation
Waste and Resource Efficiency
WRAP – Designing Out Waste: guide for Buildings
Document / Presentation
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Early Engagement Design to save on Materials and Costs
Case Study
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Designing Out Waste – Green Alliance
Web link
Waste in Design and Engineering
Document / Presentation
Is it possible to fully or partly refurbish existing buildings?
Energy and Carbon
Responsible Retrofit Wheel
Tool
Materials
Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide
Document / Presentation
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Glass from Glass: Leading by example
Case Study
Wellbeing
Case Study: Neonatal Care Centre
Case Study
Well-thought-out procurement decision making is essential for a resource efficient build. It is essential to ask the right questions of suppliers and to specify correctly
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Public Sector Guidance On The Procurement Of Sustainable Products
Document / Presentation
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Procuring Resource Efficient Construction Projects
Document / Presentation
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Circular Procurement Case Study Collection
Case Study
Management Capabilities
DfMA – Clients, Value and Procurement
Video
Waste and Resource Efficiency
WRAP – Reclaimed building products guide
Document / Presentation
2. Materials
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Ensure materials are as sustainable through their whole lifecycle and recoverable at end of life
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Resource Efficiency Action Plans
Document / Presentation
It is vital to make the right material choices and to take full consideration of circularity to ensure a low carbon build
Sustainable Procurement
BES 6001 for Responsible Sourcing
E-learning Module
Materials
Decarbonising Precast Concrete
Document / Presentation
3. Construction
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Find ways to treat, reuse and recycle soils, which remain a significant contributor to landfill.
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Soils And Stones Report: Sustaining Our Future By Influencing Change In The UK And Beyond
Document / Presentation
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Case Study: Redrow Recycled Aggregate
Case Study
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Sustainable reuse of Greenfield Soils
Document / Presentation
Environmental Management
CL:AIRE – Definition of Waste
Web link
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Reuse of Waste Materials Case Study
Case Study