Smarter ways to reuse building materials
August 12, 2024
It’s often said that construction and demolition waste makes up 40-50% of the waste going into landfills across New Zealand. With this in mind, builders and contractors have a unique opportunity to make a real difference for the environment.
According to Nelson City Council, at least 70% of construction and demolition waste is reusable or recyclable. If you’re doing a renovation, reusing what you already have is even better than recycling, and can also save your clients money. The website of sustainable building authority Level lists all the components that can be refitted in renovation work as well as new builds. The suggestions include reusing glass from windows and doors, as well as fixtures and components in good condition such as stairs, taps, door handles, switches, tongue and groove flooring, spouting, roof tiles and timber truss joints.
Even if you have no use for these on your own project, they can still have a second home. Check out opportunities in your area to drop off reusable items. This year, a Trash2Treasure scheme started at the former Avonside Girls High School site in Christchurch, where builders can leave reusable offcuts and leftovers from new builds for others to collect for free. Nelson City Council and the Nelson Environment Centre also launched the Reconstruct programme, which aims to rehome everything from pre-loved doors to gib and metal pipes.
Avoiding demolition where possible is a great way to reduce waste. In the past, a bathroom makeover meant ripping out old tiles, but luckily new products are coming out that remove any need for sledge hammers and chisels. PSP is one supplier that’s getting good traction in the market for its upcycling solutions that simply go over existing walls.
DumaWall is one of these, using Rigid Core Board as a waterproof, lower-cost alternative to ceramic tiles for bathroom and kitchen areas. The product can be installed over existing surfaces via a tongue and groove system without requiring grout or specialist installers. Meanwhile, decor film can be used to refresh existing walls, benches and even furniture, with a range of plain and specialised finishes available to resemble wood, marble or stone.
Suggesting where your clients can reuse existing resources is a win for their pocket and for the environment. Check our new video series, Sustainability On-Site for tips, tools and templates to reduce waste, save money and materials, and make your job sites more sustainable. The more we divert from landfill, the better off we’ll all be.
