Reducing Waste through Off Site Construction
Off site construction has a range of benefits compared to traditional build including the potential to greatly minimise on site waste. Through the substitution of a range of off site construction methods there is the potential to reduce on site wastage by up to 90%. Although some waste will be transferred to the factory environment, the amount will be significantly reduced. In this environment there can also be greater opportunities for reuse or recycling.
An initial report produced by WRAP highlights the potential of a range of off site methods to impact on waste minimisation.
- Current Practices and Future Potential in Modern Methods of Construction (656 kb)
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- Current Practices and Future Potential in Modern Methods of Construction - Summary (242 kb)
In 2007 and 2008 WRAP also developed ten case studies demonstrating a range of waste saving opportunities in off site construction.
More recently, two further case studies have been produced focusing on projects which used signficant levels of off site construction. The aims of the research were to assess how off site construction compared to traditional construction with regards to:
- Waste (site and factory)
- Resource required on site
- Site efficiency and productivity (value added time)
- Environmental imapct analysis and end of life assessment
- Cost- direct and indirect
- Installation time
- Health and safety
These case studies were based on the following projects:
Ropemaker
The Ropemaker building is part of the British Land development in Moorgate, London. The case study focuses on the use of Podwall toilet/bathrooms, where the internal fixtures and fittings are all installed off site and only the final connections and finishes are completed on site. It also looks at the use of flooring manufactured off site, which can be placed much quicker than screed flooring.
South Somerset Homes Project
This project involved the construction of 37 dwellings on the Jocelyn Park housing development, owned and managed by South Somerset Homes Housing Association. The case study describes the use of an advanced panel system which includes a timber frame panel with insulation manufactured off site.
