Materials Resource Efficiency in Regeneration
Set project policy and outline KPI targets
Step 1 of 10 in the Materials Resource Efficiency in Regeneration process
- Parties involved:
- Client; Cost estimator
- Workstage:
- Feasibility
CONTENTS
Introduction
- Clients should set clear policies showing their commitment to resource efficiency, linking procurement policies with environmental/sustainability policies.
- Policies should also include minimum requirements, which should be embedded in procurement documentation.
- Requirements can be expressed through Key Performance Indicators, for which the client should set a minimum target AND the obligation for the contractor to identify and implement cost effective and feasible opportunities for exceeding the minimum target.
Setting overall policy
Planning Authorities, developers and other project parties can effectively demonstrate their commitment to resource efficiency by setting clear and transparent policies informing their procurement actions. Typically, resource efficiency policies would be set within Planning Policy, Procurement Policy, Environmental Policy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Sustainable Development Policy. Most importantly, a clear link between Procurement and CSR or Sustainable Development Policies should be made. A model statement is available.
Setting overall requirements
Overall resource efficiency policy should include a set of requirements (e.g. proportion of recycled content in construction materials) that applies to a range of projects. Setting requirements at policy level will ensure that they are embedded in project specific procurement documentation such as tender invitations and contracts.
The level at which requirements are set should be a balance between the resource efficiency aims of the organisation and other project drivers such as cost and architectural choices. The requirements should cover both the demolition and recovery. Examples are summarised below. This approach works well in the context of specific projects; see Step 2 of this module. However it is also recommended for use in overarching regional or organisational policies, i.e. in situations where individual project circumstances are unknown. As an example this approach has been used by the devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Full details of the requirements are available in the WRAP guidance document Setting a requirement for recycled content in building projects (1120 kb) ![[pdf]](http://www.wrap.org.uk/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif){kind=icon}
(also in an interactive module).
Setting requirements through KPIs
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) allow specific measurement of project achievements throughout its life and can be used to set requirements and also encourage performance improvement. Typically, the client/policy maker should set a minimum requirement AND a further requirement for the contractor to identify, illustrate and deliver opportunities for exceeding the minimum.
Full guidance on the KPIs suggested below can be found in Section 8 of "The efficient use of materials in regeneration projects" guidance and in Step 2 of this module. In addition, suggested wording with respect to these KPIs is available.
Demolition Recovery Index (DRI)
The DRI measures the quantity of materials recovered from demolition as percentage of the total amount of material generated by demolition; i.e. the efficiency of material recovery. Suggested wording for inclusion of the DRI is available.
Retained Material (RM)
This KPI measures the proportion of material recovered from demolition that is reused on site. Suggested wording for inclusion of the RM KPI is available.
Recycled (and Reclaimed) Content (RC)
RC measures the value of recycled and reclaimed materials used in new build as a proportion of the total value of all materials used. Suggested wording for inclusion of this KPI is available.