About this programme
Reducing waste in construction is particularly challenging as it typically comprises many distributed small businesses producing accumulative waste at different points in the supply chain. This scoping study took a systems approach to understand the waste streams in supply chain and on-site construction. It looked at the behaviours leading to such high levels of waste from the sector and the groups and initiatives active in reducing and removing waste streams. The aim was to produce a systematic study of waste streams and regional variations in the Aotearoa New Zealand construction sector. It has been delivered through a systems mapping diagram that provides an overview of key material streams from material extraction through processing to on-site use as well as key leverage points where high levels of waste are being produced. Additionally, this research produced an in-depth report that provides granular quantitative and qualitative data on the various key points of the mapping diagram. This work provides data around waste production to help inform reduction activities. The data gathered in this programme regarding the types, quantities and locations of waste created also makes it possible to measure the impact of policy or legislation changes.