University of Calgary
IN-3: Innovation 3

The University of Calgary launched its Integrated Waste Management Construction & Demolition program in 2013 in support of our goal to reach 80% diversion by 2020 and ultimately to become a net zero waste campus. The program includes standards, procedures, and a unique data tracking system for all material streams related to construction and demolition projects on campus. Provided in partnership with Waste Management, the data system is accessible by all contractors to track and evaluate their own projects and to compare performance among their peers. It is believed this type of system is unique among post-secondary institutions in the U.S. and Canada. As well, university staff are able to view data by project, by building, by contractor, etc., and each year, outstanding contractors are recognized for their efforts in reducing project waste. Our Project Management Office works in concert with our service partner to provide a single point of contact for all contractors. Each project is pre-assessed, and provided with the appropriate infrastructure to capture all divertible streams. Using a single-point of contact for all contractors allows us to collect and share best practices, to identify opportunities for efficiency or improvement, and to ensure consistency in standards, process, and tracking.