Delivering effective Waste Minimisation - Wrap

Delivering effective Waste Minimisation 41
Guidance Note 4: Logistics
Overview
Around 15% (by value) of materials delivered
to construction sites is wasted, i.e. it is not
incorporated in the construction. Efficient
logistics can play a large part in reducing this
figure. The development of a robust logistics
plan is fundamental to effectively reduce waste.
Most construction projects involve complex
materials supply arrangements. A logistics
plan identifies how materials are moved to,
from and on site and how they are stored.
Efficient logistics is based on the rigorous
assessment of the need for materials,
coordinating delivery, storage and distribution.
Communication opportunities
Design opportunities
Procurement opportunities
Logistics opportunities
Planning
Project timeline
• Logistics plan
• Materials to site
• Materials on site
4.1 Logistics methods
There are three traditional logistic methods:
the business takes orders on a jobbing
basis and then visits the supplier to
procure materials piecemeal;
the business has materials delivered to
site, typically for larger projects with a
bulk delivery requirement supplied by
trade outlets; and
the business uses portfolio analysis to
segment ordering processes and call off
arrangements. Materials will be delivered
to site and waste is reduced by improved
processes.
A fourth and alternative logistics method
involves:
the business coordinating a start-to-end
process and tags information, people and
materials flows.
Whichever method the subcontractor uses,
they will need to get their materials to and
from site, and move their materials around
the site. By not coordinating these material
movements effectively there is considerable
potential for damage. Materials can be lost,
damaged by weather, inappropriately stored,
and damaged due to handling errors.
A logistics plan will ensure that this
damage is reduced as far as possible.
The waste reduction solutions identified below
all sit within the envelope of a logistics plan
and must be considered on a project by project
basis.
By adopting more efficient logistics, many construction projects could
reduce waste by one-third within a year. Furthermore, in terms of
environmental gain, if loads were consolidated then CO 2 emissions
from deliveries to site would fall by up to 70%.
WRAP, Efficient Construction Logistics
4.2 Logistics solutions
4.2.1 Logistics plan
A logistics plan should be formulated at the
start of a project to enable the Client to plan
the delivery of all processes in a project and
to assess the supply chains maturity and its
ability to align its performance with the client’s
objectives. As the supply chain’s maturity
grows, so will its ability to communicate
effectively throughout the process, leading
to better forecasting. The logistics strategy
should address how waste can be mitigated,
and how cost, time and quality can be
improved, detailing information, materials
and people flows.