Introduction to Blog

This blog will provide a learning space for students who are undertaking the Construction and Demolition Waste Management module on the M.Sc. in Environmental Systems at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.

Week 10 Designing out Waste

WRAP has an extensive list of resources focusing on designing out waste based on the following principles: design for reuse and recovery; design for waste efficient procurement; design for materials optimizsation; design for off-site construction; and design for deconstruction and flexibility.

Construction and Demolition Waste Module Week 8 Post-Lecture Resources

Here is the Prezi for our discussion on closed material loops in construction.

Construction and Demolition Waste Module Week 8 Pre-Lecture Resources

This week, we are going to look at closed loop recycling and its potential advantages and disadvantages. WRAP have a huge resource of information on the different material types that enter the construction and demolition waste stream. This is an excellent starting point to stimulate discussion on how we could overcome the barriers outlined in the different material sections and even rethink our whole approach to move the focus higher up the waste hierarchy. Here are some excellent videos on the concept of closed loop recycling from an M & S milk bottle (using advanced recycling technologies) to Eurocell's PVC-U windows to Armstrong's ceilings...enjoy!

Construction and Demolition Waste Module Week 7 Pre-Lecture Resources

Following on from our discussion last week on material logistics planning, have a look at Nicole Sunke's 2009 paper on reverse logistics in construction as well as Alan Mossman's paper on getting more value from the construction process and Agapiou's paper on the role of logistics in the control of material flows. In regard to Construction Consolidation Centres, have a look at briefing note for the London Construction Consolidation Centre, which outlines its main aims. Buck Consultants have produced a nice video on the centre and WRAP have produced a number of case studies. The use of techniques such as Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery and electronic tagging are just two strategies used in good materials logistics planning. WRAP have an excellent selection of publications on materials logistics planning in construction.

This week, we will continue with the development of our site waste management plans by looking at the different tools available. WRAP has also developed a number of site waste management plan template videos to provide guidance on how to develop and implement these plans. We will also investigate the considerations when deciding on a site skip management strategy i.e. whether site source segregation is appropriate or not.

Construction and Demolition Waste Module Week 6 Pre-Lecture Resources

This week, we will continue to look at the development and application of site waste management plans for selected case studies. We will be concentrating on material logistics planning. WRAP has developing a nice learning tool in this area. Constructing Excellence in the Built Environment also has some useful information on construction logistics. Check out Julian Walker Palin's (Asda/Walmart) presentation on the business angle on resource efficiency.

Construction and Demolition Waste Module Week 5 Site Visit to Barna Waste

Today, we undertook a very informative site visit to the Barna Waste Waste Transfer Facility. Barna Waste has a waste license to accept household, construction and demolition, commercial, industrial non-hazardous and biodegradable waste.The visit included a tour of the composting facility, timber recycling area, household and commercial recycling areas including the manual picking station.

Composting - initial stages

 Composting - processing of materials

 Composting - screened material

 

The photographs above do not show the full composting process but give an indication of the initial stages. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) have produced an information paper in 2005 entitled  'Composting in the Construction Industry' and this is available in the Info4Education database that is available in the library.

We also had a look at the timber recycling area where Campbell discussed their approach to processing this material and the markets that are currently available.

 

Below is a photograph of the separated timber pallet pile after processing.

 

WRAP have extensive information on the waste management of timber and wood waste on their

website. The BRE also produced an information paper on the 'Best Practice in Timber Waste Management', again available in the Info4Education database that is available in the library. 

Many thanks to Campbell (cfinnie@barnawaste.com) and the lads for a great tour!!