Green building waste diverted from dump

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By Brandon Watson
Thursday, November 13, 2008
In the construction business, putting the roof on a major project is pretty significant.
 
 
The construction crew on the Green Building project, Hayman Construction Inc., went the extra step to ensuring a 'sustainable site' by purchasing reusable coffee mugs for all the workers. Celebrating the 'green initiative' are John Medeiros (Foreman), Mike Kiddle (Field Engineer) and Doug LaLacheur (Superintendant).
 
 
It is one of the milestones in the development of a schedule and often represents a mid-way point. That's what's happening on the Claudette McKay Lassonde Pavilion this month.
 
But this time, Superintendant Doug LaLacheur, of Hayman Construction Inc., seems less excited about the roof and more interested in what's going into the trash as he strives to maintain a 'sustainable site'.
 
Keeping a close eye on the details like that is something LaLacheur will likely be doing more of in the future. He expects Hayman and other contractors will be involved in LEED practices and green work sites on a more frequent basis. According to him, sustainable construction will soon be the only kind of construction. In fact, from this point forward, every major project site on Western's campus will follow LEED guidelines.
 
"Contractors are going to have to get used to it," LaLacheur says. "We can no longer ignore the demands and trends towards more efficient, sustainable sites."
 
The transition is easier said than done.
 
A 'sustainable site', as defined within the LEED criteria, means a number of changes to tried and true processes. LaLacheur and Hayman are ultimately responsible for the detailed checks and balances for the day-to-day operations, which may be taken for granted on other work sites. A quick tour of the green building site provides evidence of the differences between this and traditional sites.
 

Erosion and sediment control

Vehicles going off site have a tendency to take the site with them. The mud and debris trail can stretch from the site to the surrounding ecosystem. A rumble strip runway has been installed to shake sediment free from exiting vehicles. If something gets through, fabric traps have been added to storm sewer catch basins around the adjacent parking lot. Also, a solid plywood barrier replaces the orange mesh and chain link dividers of traditional sites that allow dust and litter through.
 

Waste management

Waste is more than just a demolition byproduct. Leftover materials that can't be used in the construction stage, such as end pieces of drywall, wood and steel, are recovered, separated and recycled. Construction waste faces strict recovery guidelines and in order to get full LEED credit 75 per cent of it must be recycled. Hayman currently boasts a documented recovery rate of more than 90 per cent by weight, which could see them possibly grabbing an unexpected bonus LEED credit.
 

Materials and products

The materials used on the job must adhere to strict guidelines. The manufacturer of the product and raw resource supplier must operate within roughly 500 miles of the construction site. How it arrives to the site is also under scrutiny. If the material ever took a train, boat or truck, it must be documented and could jeopardize the credit count.
 
So, sure the roof is being put on. It's a significant event and good sign that things are on schedule.
 
But it's hard to blame anyone for overlooking it just a little bit as they marvel over the new challenges of this unique project .
 
 
LEED
Stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – a rating system for buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that measures how green they are. In existence since 1998, LEED is built into more than 14,000 projects around the world.
 
LEED-certified buildings:
    Have lower operating costs and increased asset value
    Reduce waste sent to landfills
    Conserve energy and water
    Are healthier and safer for occupants
    Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    Demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility
  The writer is a communications officer with Physical Plant.    

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