The level of construction, demolition and excavation waste going into landfill sites is becoming a critical issue for the Australian building industry, according to property and construction consultants Davis Langdon.

With countries such as Britain setting targets to halve the level of construction waste over the next four years, Australian construction firms are facing mounting pressure to follow suit.

Davis Langdon managing director Mark Beattie said the establishment in Australia of the Green Star environmental rating standards for building design had thrown an increased focus on waste minimisation and recycling of waste materials.

“A range of regulatory and other drivers have been introduced to escalate effective waste management, and rising waste levies are adding to the pressure for effective waste management programs,’” said Mr Beattie.

“Some regional levies have risen sharply in recent years and this trend is certain to accelerate as waste management issues take on more and more importance internationally.”

The construction industry in Australia accounts for around 42 per cent of solid waste generation, and rising levies will have a significant impact on the industry.

Mr Beattie said the challenge for the construction industry was to start looking ahead towards effective waste management and waste minimisation practices.

“Builders and developers need to start looking at waste management issues in the design stage of a project,” he said.

“It will be crucial to set waste minimisation targets and join with designers to better understand what design decisions are required to achieve waste minimisation.

“Design tools are available now to forecast waste, and this should assist in the development of specific strategies and practices to be adopted by contractors in a comprehensive waste management program.

“However, while more drivers are emerging for waste minimisation in Australia, development of strategies and supporting tools has a long way to go.”

Mr Beattie said targeting the potential areas for waste generation in construction projects can help significantly reduce the quantity of construction waste created.

“There is a range of opportunities to minimise waste before it is created and the earlier they are implemented within the project, the greater the potential to significantly reduce waste,” he said.

“Waste management means reducing the volume of construction waste being sent to landfill, identifying potential waste streams, setting targets for the recovery of materials and ensuring that these targets are met.

“The bottom line is that good waste management practices can result in benefits such as reduced material and disposal costs, increased performance against corporate social responsibility objectives, lower CO2 emissions and a positive and timely response to public policy.”

For further information, contact Meaghan Jones at Davis Langdon's Communications Department on +61 3 9933 8800 or email mjones2@davislangdon.com.au