The Evolution ofThe Evolution ofConstruction Waste Management Construction Waste Management SpecificationsSpecifications

A Personal Account

Rick Levin, CSI, CCS, LEED APAssociate / Lead SpecifierKahler Slater Architects, Inc.

The Journey BeginsThe Journey Begins1995: Pharmacia Laboratory Project, Skokie, IL – LEED Silver◦ Considered Wastespec, commercial master

specification for construction waste management (CWM)

Author: Triangle J Council of Governments & EPA Region VI, North Carolina

June, 1996 - Wastespec Presentation◦ At EPA Region V seminar in Chicago

CWM Spec Attributes CWM Spec Attributes

Provide specs language & tools to implement recycling, reuse, salvage & diversion from landfills

Construction Team: Foster teamwork & partnership

Identify strategies & opportunities

CWM Spec Attributes, contCWM Spec Attributes, cont’’ddTailored to Contract Documents:◦ Includes administrative, procedural & technical

requirements

Includes editor’s notes

Includes references & resources

Documents comparative costs of recycling vs. disposal◦ Recordkeeping is more costly – offset by recycling

savings, lower tipping fees

CWM Spec Attributes, contCWM Spec Attributes, cont’’dd

Identify different types of waste & estimate relative costs of recycling

Prequalify Contractors, Subcontractors, material suppliers for recycling & CWM experience

Strategy for PharmaciaStrategy for Pharmacia

Improve upon Wastespec

Develop our own CWM specs◦ Specification text to communicate

requirements◦ Standard forms & worksheets to determine

feasibility & costs

Educate, inform construction personnel to implement CWM practice

CWM SpecificationsCWM Specifications

Communicate CWM requirements in:◦ “General requirements” Specs sections◦Technical spec sections for each trade◦ Standardized forms & worksheets

CWM Specs, contCWM Specs, cont’’dd

Section 01094 - Definitions◦ Defines terminology used throughout

the documents

Section 01120 - Special Project Procedures◦ Specifies working restrictions in areas

having airborne pollutants

CWM Specs, contCWM Specs, cont’’ddSection 01505 - Construction Waste Management◦ Requirements for preparing CWM Plan◦ Analyze waste to be generated◦ Identify materials targeted for recycling & reuse◦ Materials handling & sorting◦ Select recycling service option:

Full-Service RecyclerWaste Hauler's Recycling ServiceIn-house RecyclingMake subcontractors responsible

CWM Specs, contCWM Specs, cont’’ddSection 01505 - Construction Waste Management◦ CWM Plan Implementation◦ Summarize waste generated: Quantities,

landfill names, tipping fee totals, and total disposal cost◦ Communications & Motivational Plans◦ Special Programs: Identify tax credits, rebates,

or other savings

Recycling Evaluation ToolsRecycling Evaluation ToolsTracks costs & quantities of recycled and/or disposed materials

Waste audits show cost-effectiveness of recycling & waste reduction◦ Record feedback on program success or failure◦ Short Audit: Conducted monthly, taking 15 minutes

each time◦ Full Audit: Conducted once during project, at

quarter or third points, taking approx. 1 hour

Pharmacia ResultsPharmacia ResultsBuilding Demolition◦ 35,000 sq. ft., one-story warehouse◦ Recycled: 72% of total demolition debris (included

567 tons of metal)

Diverted from Landfills:◦ 690 tons of solid materials (e.g., concrete, brick)

Net Savings:◦ Approx. $53,000 savings (avoided disposal costs and

recycling revenue)

WastecapWastecap Ad Hoc CommitteeAd Hoc Committee

April, 2004:◦ Examine Wisconsin’s commercial C&D waste:◦ Seek ways to reduce, reuse & recycle

construction materials◦ Seek ways to divert construction waste from

landfills◦ Educate, inform , train & provide tools to

increase number of Contractors who recycle

WastecapWastecap Ad Hoc Committee, contAd Hoc Committee, cont’’dd

July, 2004:◦ Review & comment on U.S. EPA “Green

Construction Specs”◦ Create CWM specs for private sector

For posting on Wastecap’s websiteFor inclusion in Wastecap’s C&D toolkit & training programSeek inclusion in State of Wisconsin’s master specifications

WastespecWastespec CWM SpecCWM SpecUser-friendly organizational structure

Includes:◦ Specifications text & editor’s notes◦ Appendix:

GlossaryDescriptions of services & equipment, applications & markets resources & info

◦ Standardized forms & worksheets◦ References & resources

UW Green Bay Project, 2005UW Green Bay Project, 2005

Several DSF projects being bid concurrentlyEach required CWM provisionsInconsistent DSF approach◦ Confusing Bidders

Engaged several DSF Project Mgrs to:◦ Clarify inconsistencies◦ Move provisions from Bidding Documents

UW Whitewater COBE ProjectUW Whitewater COBE Project20062006

Project Scope:◦ Demolish 3 buildings◦ Construct new Business / Economics Building

DSF Project Requirements:◦ Maximize recycling of C&D waste during

demolition & construction phases◦ Seek model “success story” projects

UW Whitewater COBE, contUW Whitewater COBE, cont’’dd

◦ Collaboration: DSF, Kahler Slater,Wastecap:

Communicate Project recycling goalsDevelop CWM specs language & construction scheduleIncorporate Wastecap’s services into the Contract Documents:

Technical assistance, education, monitor & document results

UW Whitewater COBE, contUW Whitewater COBE, cont’’dd

Wastecap Site Visit Report (May, 2006)◦ Develop a demolition waste material plan for reuse &

recycling◦ Recommend material-specific recycling opportunities

(uses & markets)◦ Assist & educate in on-site recycling

Prepare Waste Management PlanSelect type of haulerDumpsters and waste receptaclesConduct waste auditsReferences & resources

UW Whitewater COBE, contUW Whitewater COBE, cont’’dd

EMC Asbestos Abatement Assessment:◦ Inspect asbestos data for buildings to be demolished◦ Prepare cost estimates for removing asbestos prior

to demolition

Wastecap: Prepare CWM Plan for new COBE Building to:◦ Identify materials & markets◦ Conduct waste audits & record results◦ Educate & instruct construction personnel

UW Whitewater COBE, contUW Whitewater COBE, cont’’dd

CWM Specifications: Kahler Slater –Wastecap collaboration◦ Included in DSF General Requirements◦ Compressed Wastecap’s CWM specs (from

21 pages to 2 pages)◦ Incorporated Wastecap’s preferred contract

language◦ Reviewed by DSF Project Manager

UW Whitewater COBE, contUW Whitewater COBE, cont’’dd

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)◦ Kahler Slater’s IAQ provisions inserted in

DSF’s General Requirements (“Air Quality Management” Article)

WhatWhat’’s on the Horizon?s on the Horizon?Use UW COBE specs “model” language for future DSF construction projectsIncorporate Best CWM Management Practices provisions & specifications into the Wisconsin Sustainable Facilities Guidelines & DSF master specificationsContractors will gain CWM experienceMore markets for recycled & reused items

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