Reducing Waste in Building Design

The Waste & Resources Action Programme has launched the Net Waste Method, a performance measurement tool to help contractors reduce waste and increase recycled content of buildings in the U.K. The guide is aimed at helping construction professionals achieve "waste neutrality" by considering factors such as where the value of construction materials wasted is equal to the value of additional reused and recycled content used on a project, and allow the construction strategy to include a process to offset environmental impact. "It presents a real opportunity to lead by example," said WRAP's head of construction Mike Watson. "The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out."