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Waste and Resource Efficiency Group

Changing the mindset from 'waste' to 'resources' and improving efficiency within the built environment value chain.

Understanding and managing waste and resource efficiency in the built environment

Over 50 of our Partners and their suppliers collaborate through this group to share best practice and tips on all waste-related activities, discuss problem areas and take action to move towards a more resource efficient circular economy.

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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 acceptable.

We must instead move to a circular economy; reducing whole life carbon and based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating our natural systems.

The School with its Partners and member companies has an extensive presence and reach. Together we can make a significant difference.

The School’s Waste and Resource Efficiency Group is the forum to help enable this change; taking individual and collective action against waste and inefficiency, including initiatives to encourage supply chains and enable innovative School members to showcase what they can do to help.

Waste and Resource Efficiency Group

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 development
  • 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.

A constantly growing range of learning materials are available via the School’s resource library to educate and upskill supply chains, with the aim of developing a common understanding and commitment across client, designer, main contractor, FM service provider, supplier and subcontractor communities.

2023/2024 Waste and Resource Efficiency Group Update

To learn more about the group’s targets and objectives for 2023/2024, download the Business Plan below.

Download the plan

2023/2024 Waste and Resource Efficiency Group Update

Group Outputs:

Explore a variety of the group’s outputs below, including a newly published packaging optimisation report, interactive practical guide for reducing project lifecycle waste, Material Exchange Platforms (MEPs) and partner video case studies.

Packaging Optimisation in the Housebuilding Sector Report

Download the report

A NEW detailed report by the School demonstrating the opportunities, challenges and practicalities of optimising packaging.

This comprehensive report harnesses the expertise of four of the UK’s biggest and most influential housebuilders – Bellway Homes, Crest Nicholson, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, working in partnership with Waste Management experts Biffa and Reconomy, together with Ibstock, Stark Group, Saint Gobain and Zero Waste Scotland. The partners listed have co-funded this project, also donating their valuable time and helping the project team to engage with 23 of their specialist suppliers, manufacturers and merchants, selected to cover all the most significant aspects of the housebuilding supply chain. The report also reaches beyond this sector, providing knowledge, ideas and potential solutions for any organisation interested in optimising the packaging they generate, transport or receive on site.

Material Exchange Platforms (MEPs)

Material Exchange Platforms

View the map

Material Exchange Platforms (MEPs) are location based and online services that help excess but usable materials and products to be exchanged from one user to another. This helps reduce both carbon and waste to landfill and can also be a way to deliver social value by supporting local community projects.

Use the map to find out the locations of MEPs in the UK and to find out more information on donating your unused material. You may have surplus stock from a recently finished project, or maybe be looking to donate or secure second hand upcycled furniture; these are just some examples of how you might use MEPs.

MEPS are a great way of providing social value in the localities where you work. If you are aware of any MEPs that need to be added or deleted from the map, or any information that should be revised, please complete this form.

A practical guide to

Reducing project 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 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
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Waste and Resource Efficiency

Designing using elements or even whole structures which are manufactured offsite can reduce waste significantly

Management Capabilities
Design for Manufacture and Assembly
Management Capabilities
Management Capabilities
Management Capabilities

Designing out waste at design stage is the single most effective action that can be taken

Waste and Resource Efficiency
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Waste and Resource Efficiency

Is it possible to fully or partly refurbish existing buildings?

Data Led Design
Whole Building Approach
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Energy and Carbon

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

Sustainable Procurement
Waste and Resource Efficiency
Sustainable Procurement
Management Capabilities
Waste and Resource Efficiency

2. Materials

Select an aim using the menu below

Ensure materials are as sustainable through their whole lifecycle and recoverable at end of life

Waste and Resource Efficiency
Energy and Carbon

It is vital to make the right material choices and to take full consideration of circularity to ensure a low carbon build

Materials
Materials
Energy and Carbon
Energy and Carbon

3. Construction

Select an aim using the menu below

Find ways to treat, reuse and recycle soils, which remain a significant contributor to landfill.

Waste and Resource Efficiency