The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to landfill in Aotearoa New Zealand. The built environment is also responsible for 15% of this country's greenhouse gas emissions. We know that we urgently need to transition from a ‘take-make-waste’ linear economy to a circular one. We need to design out waste from the get go and recognise ‘waste’ as a resource, rather than rubbish.
That’s why, in partnership with the Construction Sector Accord, we’ve been working with the construction sector to change that. With the help of Action Groups made up of industry stakeholders, we’ve developed four resources to help businesses adopt circular economy principles. In a circular economy waste and pollution are designed out, products and materials are kept in use and natural systems are regenerated.
Here’s a summary of the new resources:
Industry-led Implementation Plan for Circular Construction
This plan outlines a series of industry-led actions to help steer the construction sector towards circularity and sustainability. It underscores the urgent need for collaboration and a concerted effort across all stakeholders. By fostering collective responsibility and innovation, this plan strives to pave the way for a more resilient, low-carbon, circular construction sector.
Getting on the Same Page: A shared language for a circular construction sector
A shared language is essential to foster collaboration and streamline operations. To help, we have developed a standardised set of terms and definitions relating to eliminating waste in the construction sector.
Breaking the Waste Cycle: A guide to product stewardship in construction
This guide offers direction in developing product stewardship schemes for construction products and materials.
Integrated Design Process in the Built Environment
Integrated Design Process is a collaborative approach to design to achieve better outcomes. It involves all relevant parties working together from the very beginning of a project. This resource offers guidance on how to use IDP to reduce waste in your own construction projects.
If you’re interested in learning more about our work in this area, contact James Griffin at [email protected].