Responding to waste minimisation and management ... - Wrap

26 Responding to waste minimisation and management requirements Responding to waste minimisation and management requirements 27
3.3 Key opportunities
On the previous page are some of the
headline opportunities open to minimise
waste in design. Further information is
available in WRAP, ‘Designing out waste in
construction’, see Table 4 (page 25).
3.4 Use of Modern Methods of
Construction (MMC)
Wherever possible construction companies
should look to incorporate the use of off site
pre-fabricated components where possible.
Off site prefabrication can lead to economies
of scale, improved quality and programme
reductions. Waste can also be reduced by
up to 90% (volumetric building systems
versus traditional) and better regulated at a
factory level than on site. MMC are commonly
defined as being those methods that involve
a considerable level of Off Site Manufacture
(OSM) and/or assembly. Due consideration
should therefore be made to using or applying
MMC/OSM where feasible on projects. This
can include large elements of a building
through to standardised sub assembly of site
specific components. (i.e. column claddings
fabricated off site and delivered in kit form)
In addition to the growing skills shortage
which has led to escalation in construction
costs, MMC are increasingly seen as
having the following clear advantages over
traditional methods of building:- speed of
delivery, improved consistency in quality and
environmental characteristics. Increased
use of MMC/OSM should receive significant
consideration in the design and procurement
process. This will require a commitment to
and communication with supply partners in
order to realise full advantage.
Construction elements
Ductwork and
mechanical &
electrical equipment
Cladding
Flooring and ceilings
Rooms
Washrooms
Kitchens
Plant room
Description
Table 5: Examples of construction elements that typically lend themselves to Modern Methods
of Construction (MMC) and Off Site Manufacturing (OSM)
The WRAP document, “Current Practices
and Future Potential in Modern Methods
of Construction” highlights the potential
of a range of off site methods to impact
on waste minimisation. This is available
in full and summary form at
www.wrap.org.uk/construction
Some projects also lend themselves more
readily to the use of modern methods and the
use of off site fabrication than others because
of site characteristics or the nature of what is
being built, see Table 5.
Ductwork and M&E systems can be fabricated in a modular nature allowing it to be easily
transported to site and fitted with minimal waste.
Internal and external wall cladding can be fabricated in panels made to size and fitted on
site. Other areas where off site fabricated cladding can be used are on internal columns,
ceilings and roofs.
These off site systems can be delivered to site pre-fabricated into cassettes that can be
quickly and easily fastened together on site.
Whole volumetric rooms can be manufactured off site.
These can be manufactured off site and delivered either in a 2-D or 3-D format to the site.
Plumbing and other fittings are included thus minimising packaging and plumbing waste.
Kitchen areas can be manufactured and delivered to site in a similar fashion to washrooms.
Plant rooms can be fully fabricated and delivered as a complete package to site where they
can be fitted into position with limited disruption.
Other equipment Lifts and escalators
Pre-assembled back office equipment
Pre-fabricated and assembled doors, windows and frames.