Selection of Quick Wins
Step 4 of 6 in the Recycled Content process
- Parties involved:
- Client; Cost estimator; Design team; Contractor; Subcontractor
- Workstage:
- Procurement
CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Selecting Quick Wins
- Taking the commercially efficient approach
- Other Quick Wins
- Example Products Guide
Introduction
Step 4 involves selecting the Quick Wins that will be used in the project. It is preferable to set a level of recycled content for the whole project with evidence of good practice as a requirement rather than specify specific products. This provides the flexibility for contractors to use the most economic products. More details can be found in Section 3.3 of 'Setting a requirement for recycled content in building projects'.
Selecting Quick Wins
Important considerations to consider when evaluating the suitability of specific products for use on their projects include:
- Capital cost
- Durability
- Quality/aesthetics
- Availability
- Buildability
At this stage the design team should consult with contractors/subcontractors to get their views on the practical implications of particular Quick Wins.
Taking the commercially efficient approach
The best approach for the design team is often not to specify the products they would like to see in the project, but to either:
- agree with a contractor a minimum level of recycled content as part of the list of performance requirements for the Quick Win product categories; or
- state a minimum level of recycled content for the project overall, together with a list of the Quick Wins that would contribute the most.
This provides flexibility for contractors or subcontractors to use those products that are most economical (e.g. ones for which they already have a preferred supplier arrangement) provided they have sufficient levels of recycled content.
Other Quick Wins
Other Quick Wins commonly used include recycled aggregates sourced on site or from nearby demolition. A framework for assessing the potential to recover such materials can be found in Site Waste Management Plans and the ICE Demolition Protocol as well as the Materials Resource Efficiency in Regeneration module.
Example Products Guide
It might be useful to provide a list of known examples of products and brands which are able to meet all technical requirements, including recycled content. Contractors and subcontractors need to consult with their supply chain to ensure that these options will meet the product requirements and deliver higher levels of recycled content. Options should be both technically and commercially viable. A list of commonly used products with recycled content can be found in the Construction Product Guide: Recycled Content of Mainstream Products.