WRAP Reports Note Huge Opportunity to Reduce Construction Waste

A number of case studies published by the Waste & Resources Action Programme shows that some off site construction systems can reduce on-site waste by as much as 90 percent.

The studies, commissioned by WRAP, examined the waste minimization potential of several methods. The studies, undertaken by Mtech, investigate five OSC systems and involve collaboration from some several examples.

Light steel frame – This system can reduce the amount of wasted resources and materials by between 40-70 percent. The waste can then be either re-used or recycled.

Volumetric construction -- Working in a controlled factory environment helps to reduce potential waste from errors, accidents or snagging. Site waste produced by traditional construction methods can be reduced by up to 90 percent.

Precast – This method can reduce waste generated on site by up to 50 percent. 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 improve construction times and can reduce waste generated by a traditional construction process by up to 50 percent.

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 20-40 percent as it is manufactured in a protected and quality controlled environment and reduces the amount of unnecessary materials on site.

Mervyn Jones, program 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."