Reducing Waste Through Off Site Construction
A series of case studies published by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has revealed that some off site construction (OSC) systems can reduce on site waste by up to 90 per cent. This is an important step in equipping the industry with the knowledge they need to deliver the Government’s proposed target to halve construction waste to landfill by 2012.
The studies of different OSC methods, which were commissioned by WRAP earlier this year, examined the waste minimisation potential of each. OSC is growing in popularity for the benefits it offers in terms of time and cost predictability, health and safety, and skills. It has a potentially significant role to play in the delivery of affordable housing and in helping to achieve standards such as the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Undertaken by Mtech, the case studies investigate five OSC systems and involve collaboration from some top industry exemplars - Framing Solutions, Yorkon, Bison and Stewart Milne.
Light steel frame
Thanks to the engineered lean manufacturing process, this system can substantially reduce the amount of wasted resources and materials by between 40 to 70 per cent. The limited waste that is produced can then be either re-used or recycled.
Volumetric construction
This is among one of the most effective off site methods and is the only one to bring the trades into the factory. Working in a controlled factory environment helps to reduce potential waste arisings from errors, accidents or snagging. Site waste produced by traditional construction methods can be reduced by up to 90 per cent.
Precast
This is one of the most well-used off site construction methods and can help to reduce waste generated on site by up to 50 per cent. Waste is avoided by ensuring that any fabrication errors are identified at the design stage and that waste reduction techniques are implemented prior to manufacture and construction on site.
Volumetric pods
The use of volumetric pods, for example for bathrooms and kitchens, helps to improve construction times and can reduce waste generated by a traditional construction process by up to 50 per cent. These pods are increasingly being used for projects, which feature design repetition. They optimise the use of materials and generate no waste on site other than a protective layer of polyethylene.
Timber frame
The use of timber frame as a replacement for the inner structural layer of the exterior wall is growing in the UK. Its use can reduce construction waste by between 20 to 40 per cent as it is manufactured in a protected and quality controlled environment and reduces the amount of unnecessary materials on site.
Mervyn Jones, Programme Manager for Waste Minimisation and Management at WRAP, comments: “We recently undertook a scoping study into the opportunities for waste reduction that OSC offered the industry. These five studies provide practical examples of how and where each system can really save on waste. The results are extremely positive and show that a real difference can be achieved. With sustainable construction being increasingly driven by initiatives such as the Code for Sustainable Homes and Site Waste Management Plans, using more of these construction methods means contractors will be able to further improve against waste reduction targets.”
For further information on the waste savings offered by using OSC systems, visit www.wrap.org.uk/construction or call the business helpline on 0808 100 2040
Editor's notes:
- The Government’s target to halve waste by 2012 was detailed in Defra’s Waste Strategy, published May 2007.
- WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP’s programmes can be found at www.wrap.org.uk
