Answer to: How to Reduce the Wastage of Materials in Construction Industry
Methods to reduce wastage of materials in construction industry
- Concrete aggregate collected from demolition sites can be cut through a crushing machine, often along with asphalt, bricks, dirt, and rocks. Smaller pieces of concrete can be used as gravel for new construction projects. Crushed recycled concrete can also be used as the dry aggregate for brand new concrete if it is free of contaminants. This reduces the need for other rocks to be dug up, which in turn saves trees and habitats.
- Using wood as the construction material can reduce the wastage.
- Observe Value Engineering principals. Perform multiple functions with one material rather than requiring multiple materials to perform one function.
- Be efficient in area and volume. If less material is required by the design, less waste is generated at the jobsite
- Where possible, select construction systems that do not require temporary support, shoring, construction aids, or other materials that will be disposed of as debris during the project
- Where possible, select materials that do not rely on adhesives, which require containers and create residue and packaging waste. Furthermore, adhesives inhibit salvage and recycling at the end of the component's or building's life.
- Where possible, reduce requirements for applied finishes, laminates, coatings, adhesives, and the associated scrap, packaging, and waste. Select materials with integral finishes.
- Where possible, avoid materials which are sensitive to damage, contamination, environmental exposure, or spoilage on-site, which increase the potential for jobsite waste.
- Purchase materials in bulk where possible. Avoid individual packaging for volume purchases
- Recycle damaged components, products, and materials, or disassemble them into their constituent materials for recycling
See the Golden Rules for Project Planning & Management