Simon Fraser University
OP-19: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion

Major capital projects are mandated to be LEED Gold and typically require a Construction Waste Management Plan as part of project procedures. In Shrum Chemistry Renew project, this has resulted in diversion of over 95% of the construction waste by the Contractor. The waste diversion is also practiced in smaller projects such as the demolition of the Contemporary Arts trailers in 2010, where close to 90% of the construction waste was diverted. To find further ways to reduce construction waste, a Zero Waste committee was recently set up with Procurement, Sustainability team and Facilities Services working together to explore ways to further reduce waste in Operations e.g. reduced packaging, and/or encourage supplier take back of packaging. Operationally, a water fountain replacement program is underway, designed to replace old water fountains with new water coolers where students can refill their water bottles. This will help to reduce waste from single use bottled water that are often discarded. In furniture purchasing and specifications, Calstone casework and office furniture is the preferred vendor for the university, largely because of the manufacturer's take back program: surplus furniture is returned back to their plant for remanufacturing into new components and furniture pieces. Green project standards for facilities design construction and operations also include requirements for on site sorting to recycle.

Project data from Shrum Chemistry Renew project: LEED requirements include Construction Waste Management Plan and documented records.