One of the key parameters for the measure of growth in any economy or nation is the construction industry. Construction as a process, contributes largely to the amount of waste generated in a country. Therefore, there’s a need to find a significant means to reduce the waste generated from the construction industry. Zero waste is one of the strategies developed to overcome the problem of waste in construction. The idea of Zero waste has gained popularity through the years. Architects, designers, and especially construction companies have a duty to drastically reduce waste so as to promote a sustainable environment for the present and future generations.
The core principle of Zero-Waste design aims to reduce waste generation by taking into consideration the complete lifecycle of construction materials and products. This strategy promotes an economy where resources are used effectively and waste generation is controlled to the barest minimum. It focuses on sustainability, resource, and environmental efficiency.
One of the most significant importance of Zero waste is the vital role it plays in the conservation of the environment. It reduces the strain on natural resources and ecosystems. Reducing waste and the need for incineration and landfills helps to protect biodiversity, lessen pollution, and slow down climate change. A focus on resource efficiency under a zero waste policy results in less resource extraction, less energy use, and a more circular economy where goods and materials are reused and repurposed. Additionally, it encourages the adoption of durable items with little packaging. It results in a change from a culture that values disposable items to one that emphasizes quality and durability. The huge cost savings for organizations and companies is another benefit of zero waste. Reducing trash generation, recycling, and material reuse can have positive economic effects.
Below are the principles of zero-waste design:
Selection of Material
The selection of sustainable materials is a key principle. This means opting for resources that will have a minimal impact on the environment during the extraction, production, and transportation process. Examples include recycled steel and low-impact concrete mixes. Also, durable materials that have a long lifespan, and require low maintenance are to be selected. These materials can withstand wear and tear, weather conditions, and stresses without damaging quickly. This will help prevent the need for frequent replacement or repairs. Choosing materials that can be easily recycled when it is close to the end of their useful life allows for reintegration into new products. This will reduce the overall waste generated by the building. Examples include plastics. Another type of material that contributes to Zero waste is materials that can be repurposed after their primary function is no longer needed. For example, Wood.
Design for Deconstruction
Modular construction allows for efficient deconstruction when a building reaches the end of its life or needs renovation. It involves the process of designing and assembling the components of a building in a way that will be easy to disassemble and replace. Avoiding adhesives and glue is important during construction as it can make deconstruction difficult because of how it bonds materials together. It is better to use mechanical fastening methods like screws and bolts which can be easily undone during deconstruction. The proper documentation of the building’s design and its construction methods is important as well because it aids the systematic disassembly of the building. This includes labeling components, detailing connections, and documenting, material specifications.
Waste Reduction
In order to reduce waste during construction, there should be an accurate estimation of material quantities and ordering only what is needed. Ordering too many materials can cause excess waste while under-ordering can bring about delays and additional transportation emissions. During cutting and fabrication, waste should be minimized. The efficient sorting of materials like wood, metals, and concrete as well as their transportation to the proper recycling facilities can both be facilitated by the on-site execution of a good construction waste recycling program.
This stops the materials from ending up in landfills and in turn, reduces the environmental impact of construction.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important in zero-waste buildings in order to minimize the consumption of resources. This includes designing buildings that would require little energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances. The proper insulation in buildings reduces heat transfer through the building envelope and helps maintain stable indoor temperatures. Installing high-performance windows will stop heat gain during the summer and loss during the winter. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that are efficient should be built with energy efficiency in mind. Incorporating passive design strategies will reduce the reliance on mechanical systems for comfort.
Life cycle assessment (LCA)
This is the systematic method of evaluating the environmental impact of a building from construction, operation, and to demolition or recycling stage. A comprehensive analysis of this needs to be done. LCA provides architects, and builders the data needed to make informed decisions regarding materials and construction methods. It identifies areas that need improvements so as to reduce environmental impacts. Also, LCA can identify some strategies that will help reduce the carbon footprint of a building over its lifetime.
Government Policies and Regulation
- Building codes: Many governments have enacted building rules that promote or demand sustainable and waste-free building methods, or are considering doing so. These codes might have requirements for waste reduction, recycling incentives, and energy efficiency standards.
- Green Building Certification Programs: Programs for green building certification like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) are frequently supported and promoted by governmental organizations. These initiatives promote the use of zero-waste principles and other sustainable building techniques.
- Tax incentives: Governments may provide tax breaks or rebates to developers and property owners that use environmentally friendly and zero-waste building techniques. The initial expenses of using sustainable building materials and technologies may be somewhat mitigated by these financial incentives.
- Regulations for waste management; Construction trash disposal procedures may be governed by local authorities. Builders could be compelled to engage licensed waste management businesses or to sort and recycle their resources.
- Resource conservation law: Laws that require resource conservation in some areas may impose restrictions on the mining of particular materials or call for the use of renewable resources in buildings.
In conclusion, zero waste is a comprehensive strategy for sustainability that has a good impact on the economy in addition to the environment. It fosters innovation, encourages responsible resource management, and may result in cost savings, making it an essential tactic for a more sustainable and prosperous economy in the future.
References:
Soharu, Anil & Naveen, Dr. BP & Sil, Arjun. (2022). An Approach Towards Zero-Waste Building Construction.
Olivia Wilson (2022). Sustainable Architecture: Going Zero-Waste in Modern Construction. [online]. (Last updated 12 April 2022). Available at: https://www.greenroofs.com/2022/04/12/sustainable-architecture-going-zero-waste-in-modern-construction/ [Accessed 22 September 2023].
Linkedin (2023). Zero Waste Construction: Strategies for Minimizing Environmental Impact. [online]. (Last updated 22 April 2023). Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/zero-waste-construction-strategies-minimizing [Accessed 22 September 2023].
UGREEN (2023). Understanding Zero Waste Design: A Guide For Building Professionals. [online]. (Last updated 03 April 2023). Available at: https://ugreen.io/understanding-zero-waste-design-a-guide-for-building-professionals/ [Accessed 22 September 2023].
