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Responses to the Problem
Many of these environmental problems could be reduced if the construction
materials were reused or recycled. In fact, 90% of construction waste
is recyclable (Zeigler
2001). For example, concrete, asphalt, metals, carpet, insulation,
paints, sealant, and fluorescent tubes are all recyclable (Zeigler
2001, MOEA
2002). Many products can be built from recycled materials including
carpet, wood floors, insulation, and decking just to name a couple (EDC
2001).There are a number of products that are reusable for
other construction projects like light fixtures, wood beams, trim interior
windows, bathroom fixtures, doors, brick, and cabinets just to name a
few (MOEA
2002). Often times if wood is salvaged from historic buildings
it is higher in value than a new piece of wood with the same dimensions
(CRBT 2001). Not only is recycling building materials better for the environment,
but it can also be cost effective (Zeigler
2001,
Smart Growth 2000,
CRBT 2001).
Disposal of wastes usually makes up 10% of the total construction budget
(CRBT 2001).
Depending on where the construction site is and how far away the landfill
is, for a two thousand square foot house an average of $511 is what a
builder pays to get rid of the waste produced during construction (Smart
Growth 2000). One response to the problem of construction waste is the Green Building movement. When implementing "Green Construction" there is a lot more to consider then just what materials to use (RMI 2002, Harvard 2002). The design is just as important in building. The design of the building or project will ultimately decide how much waste one will produce when constructing it. The design becomes very important when considering how much energy is going to be used to heat, light and cool the building (Harvard 2002, RMI 2002). Good quality materials are essential for any building project. The use of recycled materials or the reuse of old materials will cut down on the environmental impacts of the construction process. A number of contractors and cities throughout the United States are using "Green Construction" for office buildings, libraries etc. Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio, recently completed the Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies using "Green Construction" techniques (Oberlin 2003). In Poland, Ohio the Poland Library was built in 1997 constructed almost entirely from recycled materials or salvaged materials from other buildings (Ellsworth 2002). But at the forefront of the "Green Construction" industry is USGBC (United States Green Building Counsel). They developed specific guidelines called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to follow in order for a building to be considered "Green." A good example of the work that USGBC has done is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with the PNC Firstside Center (PNC 2000). The materials for this building were mostly aquired locally. The steel used was 90% recycled. There are many other reasons why this building is considered "Green." For more information on the USGBC and the many projects they endorse here is a link to their home page (USGBC). The "Green Construction" projects mentioned above are all examples of large-scale operations. However "Green Construction" does not always have to be a large multi-million dollar project. A weekend warrior can also build small projects by using "Green Construction" techniques. There are many different ways of going about getting the necessary materials needed to complete a project. What I have done is to ask local builders if I could take some of their scrap wood. Most of the time they are happy to help you out because you are doing them a favor by getting rid of some of the waste they have produced. Another way to get the materials one needs is to find a waste exchange network. A waste exchange network is a group of businesses that place an ad in a newsletter stating what materials they want or will give away. In Pennsylvania there are many waste exchange networks. Here is a site that will give you more information on their location (Waste Exchange Networks). |
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