Onslte Source Redudleii:
Cuttlig the Scrap
By minimizing construction inputs, buying recycled products, and using salvaged
building materials, building projects can achieve substantial cost savings. Eliminating
waste at the source, known as source reduction, saves money and valuable landfill space.
There are many opportunities to implement source reduction strategies on construction
sites. The total waste generated by a project can be greatly reduced by considering waste
generation during the design phase, employing conservative purchasing practices, and by
reusing excess materials at the jobsite.
Designing to Prevent Waste
Materials can be reduced during the design phase by planning for efficient framing
techniques, use of standardized lumber sizes, and incorporation of prefabricated or modular
materials. Value engineering focuses on maximizing resources while maintaining
construction value. This results in a finished project that performs the required functions
while utilizing the least amount of resources.
Framing lumber can be a significant expense in new construction and it is one of the largest
components of the wastestream. The techniques below can reduce costs and preventwaste:
x Increase the spacing of joists and studs, or use 2x4s instead of 2x6s; extra insulation can
be used in other areas to make up for decreased wall thickness.
x Use a computer assisted design (CAD) program to optimize plywood and drywall use.
x "Advanced framing," used primarily in residential construction, is a system that
combines increased spacing of floor joists, reduced headers, and expanded placement of
studs (24" on center instead of 16"). This system requires less material and uses sized
lumber more efficiently {CostEffective Horn e Building by the National Association of
Home Builders provides descriptions of alternative framing techniques, see back page
for contact information).
x Use standard lumber sizes in building design to minimize cutoffwaste. The use of
modular and prefabricated wall sections and trusses can also reduce on site waste by
eliminating cuttings.
x Use steel framing members as an alternative to wood. In addition to being recyclable,
steel is stronger and lighter, reduces construction time and costs, and provides greater
seismic tolerance.
x Many modern buildings make a statement by exposing structural elements. Take
advantage of a "less is more" design approach as an opportunity to reduce waste.
Additional benefits include decreased costs and opportunities for improved
day lighting and indoor air quality.
Bright Ideas
The public isbecom big increasingly concerned about resource
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conservation and the environment. Letihe community know
T
abouty our efforts to reduce waste and purchase recycled content
building m aterials. Prom oteyour company 'sresource efficiency with
signage at the site—make building "green "part ofy our m arketing
strategy.
Additional Information
TheC&D Waste Reduction and Recycling series consists of 9 fact sheets, each focusing on a different aspect ofwaste management.
Faetsheets in this series include:
What's in aBuilding: Composition Analysis ofC&D Debris
Onsite Source Reduction: Cutting the Scrap
Settingup ajobsite Recycling Program
Deconstruction: Mew Opportunities for Salvage
CalculatingEffectiveness: The Waste Management Plan
Reducing Waste for Building Owners
Waste Recycling Through Commingled Recovery: the Summerland Heights Residential Development
Deconstruction on Commercial Renovation Projects: the Victoria Street Presbyterian Sanctuary
Source Reduction in Residential Remodeling: the Las Alturas Adobe
Other resources:
Em v iro nmen tal Resource Guide, American Institute of Architects (800) 365-2724
Environ mental Building New sand Green Spec Pro duct Directory (802) 257-7300
En v iro nmen tal Design <&Co n structio n Maga^in e (847)291-5224
Deconstructio n (video), Materials for the Future Foundation (415) 561-6530
Builder's Held Guide, N ational Association of Home Builders (202) 822-0200
Waste Spec: Mo del Green Building Specification s, T riangle J C ouncil of Governments (919) 549-0551
Sustain able Building Techn icalMan ual, U. S. Green Building C ouncil (202) 828-7422
Visit these web sites for downloadable publications, listserve information, and links to other green building sites:
www.ciwmb.ca.govwww.tjcog.nc.us/dcwaste.htmwww.EDCmag.com
www.epa.gov/greenbuilding www.buildinggreen. com www.materials4future.org
www. aia. com www.oikos. org w ww.usgbc. org
The C &D W aste Reduction and Recy cling Series is a joint project of the Santa Barb ara C ounty Solid W aste and U tilities Division,
The Community Environmental Council, and The Sustainability Project.
For more information please contact the U.S. EPA, Region 9 Office of Solid Waste andPollution Prevention at (415) 972-3282.
Funded by a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9.
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Printed on 50%postconsumer recycled paper, processed chlorine free
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RBuslig Existing Hidings & MatMlils
Reuse can range from saving an entire structure, to readapting select assemblies and systems, to the selection
of specific materials or items. Conduct an inventory of materials that can be reused and allow time to
salvage as much as possible. If there are many valuable materials or items in the structure, this will be well
worth the effort. The extra time invested can result in the salvage of old growth lumber, valuable
appliances, light fixtures, hardware, architectural millwork and other custom accessories.
Consider using materials salvaged from other jobs. Don't assume that your clients will be opposed to the
concept of conserving resources (and saving money!).
Although some materials can be reused, there are many that will need to be removed. Donating unused and
salvaged building materials can be accomplished through material exchanges or nonprofit organizations.
Consider setting aside reusables and advertising them on materials exchange listings. The Santa Barbara
County Contractor's Association and the News Press offer a materials exchange listing for Santa Barbara
residents. Materials can be listed for free and are advertised in a column in the classified section every
Wednesday. CALM AX lists materials in a statewide monthly publication that can also be accessed on-line
(www.ciwmb.ca.gQv/calmax). This service is free of charge.
Some organizations will pick-up salvaged building materials. Habitat for Humanity in Ventura and Santa
Maria accept donated materials (an online listing of national affiliates can be accessed at www.habitat.org).
Materials are resold to benefit low income housing projects and donations are tax deductible.
Postconsumer versus Post Industrial Recycled Products:
What's the difference?
Vostconsiim er recycled content indicates that materials have been purchased
once already and have been used by consumers, fallmgwithin the strictest
definition of "recycled." Products with a high percentage of postconsumer
recycled content are very resource efficient.
Post in dust-rial recycled content indicates that manufacturingwaste has been
cycled back into the production process. These products do not represent the
significant resource savings that post consumer products do, but are usually
preferable to those that use virgin materials.
It's a good idea to set goals for including recycled content in construction
inputs; include target percentages when specifying building materials. Visit the
EPA website for a listing of recommended recycled content nunimums for
many materials (www.epa.gov/cpg-00.pdf).
PwcbaslBg to Pimm Waste
Many established building materials already contain recycled content, and innovative technologies result in the
development of new products and improved packaging every year. These products are usually competitive in price and
quality. Buyingrecycled content building materials supports manufacturers that use recycled feedstocks in their
production. This stimulates markets for recycled materials (such as those being collected at residences and jobsites)
and "closes the recyclmgloop."
leiycled MM Piidm-j Materials
There are a rangeof materials currently available, and the list is growing. Some examples of recycled
content building products available include:
Aluminum windows
Concrete
Garden edging
Patio block
Asphalt
Copper shingles
Glass pavers
Plastic lumber
Bathroom partitions
Ductwork
Glassphalt
Plastic seating
Bike racks
Exterior sheeting
Insulation
Plastic shingles
Building panels
Fences/posts
Lumber
Roofing
Carpet and pads
Fiberboard
Metal doors
Shower Dividers
C eiling tiles
Fill material
Metal frames
Structural Steel
Cements
Flooring
Paint
Tile
Compost
Floor joists
Paperboard
Underlay ment
Counter tops
Floor mats
Parking stops
Wallboard
Co n tactyo ur lo calgo v em m en tfor a listing ofsourcesfo r recycled con ten t building m aterials.
Work with Supplitrs to StuantHnt him Susing
x Inform suppliers ofyour interest in purchasing recycled building materials (request that they make these
available).
x Request that come with minimal or no packaging.
x Purchase previously used or salvaged items (most building owners will welcome the opportunity
to save money while conserving natural resources).
x Determinewhere existing policies and procedures might represent a barrier to purchasing used or recycled
materials.
x Keep a binder of information on product specifications and prices and check back with manufacturers
regularly for updates.
x Obtain verification of recycled content percentages from the manufacturer. The higher the postconsumer
recycled content, the better.
x Document product performance, especially when materials exceed expectations or require special
handling; establish a "feed-back loop" with the manufacturer by reporting usage information to them.
x Ask suppliers to take back or buy back damaged or unused materials and packaging
x Streamline supply estimations; make sure orders do not exceed your requirements.
Check out the websites listed on the back page for more information about orderingrecycled content
building materials. The time you invest in learning about buying recycled will more than pay off in the
long run.
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