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Accelerating industry action on waste management

Waste not, want not. From 2024, new regulations will require waste minimisation plans for all construction projects. To ensure the sector is ready, BRANZ is collaborating with key industry players to transform waste management behaviour.

Published in August 2023

The building and construction industry is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest waste producers, contributing up to 50% of all waste going to landfills and cleanfills. Research has shown that construction of a typical house generates about 4 tonnes of waste, with the average cost of materials sent to landfill valued at more than $31,000 per house.

With timely new regulations being phased in from 2024, the industry has no time to waste on addressing key challenges such as waste management literacy and infrastructure.

Bringing together key government agencies, industry and researchers, BRANZ has facilitated and coordinated a waste action group to drive collaborative change within the sector.

Key government partners include:

  • Kāinga Ora
  • Ministry for the Environment
  • Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education
  • MBIE Building for climate change Programme
  • Manatū Kaupapa Waonga | Ministry of Defence
  • Tonkin + Taylor
  • Beca
  • Auckland Council
  • Wellington City Council
  • Te Kaunihera a-rohe o Ōtepoti | Dunedin City Council.

By gaining insight into information gaps and barriers and sharing learnings, the group is turning research and experience into working solutions. Together, members have co-created an action plan to stimulate new waste minimisation behaviours across the industry, targeting everyone from builders on site to major decision makers.

The plan, implemented since March 2023, includes free independent resources and educational opportunities. After these are developed, a digital behaviour change campaign will help all corners of the industry adapt to new regulatory requirements. The goal is to encourage robust decision making around waste by reducing barriers, increasing awareness and shifting attitudes.

Through impartial strategic action, BRANZ is in a unique position to drive industry change in reducing waste, building towards a more circular and sustainable sector.

READ MORE

Resource efficiency in the building and related industries (REBRI). branz.co.nz/sustainable-building/reducing-buildingwaste/rebri