SR81 The influence of design and procurement on construction site waste generation - a pilot study (2007)

The overall objective of this research was gain some understanding of the role that the design and tendering (procurement) processes have on the amount of material waste generated on building sites.

A survey was carried out based on a comparable survey in a similar construction environment (Australia). Architects, quantity surveyors and contractors, mainly from the Wellington region, were surveyed.

From the results, it can be concluded that:

• there is very little importance placed by architects on waste minimisation compared to other design criteria
• good component sizing, standardisation of room dimensions to reflect standard sheet sizes, careful attention at the design stage to avoid variations on site and assistance in creating a buildable design that allows for a logical sequence in construction are all considered to be effective design stage measures that reduce the output of waste
• where possible, contracts should be set up so that waste reduction efforts are financially beneficial to the client.