80% Construction Waste Diverted

In our recent year-long project in Mount Roskill, we took a big step forward in reducing waste and championing environmental responsibility. Teaming up with Unitec & Environmental Innovation Centre (EIC), we worked hard to make sure this project set new standards in sustainable construction. Now, we’re proud to be on the path to earning the first-ever EIC Certificate for Sustainability in Construction.

How We Achieved 80% Waste Diversion in Auckland Construction

Highlights of Our Project

1. Waste Diversion: 80% Kept Out of Landfill
   Through focused planning and smarter waste management, we diverted a record 79% of our project waste from landfills, proving that big projects can make a positive impact when sustainability is at the core.
2. Making the Most of Materials
   • Timber with a Second Life
     We repurposed 3.7 tonnes of timber fencing for local community projects. It’s all about finding practical, sustainable uses for materials that would otherwise go to waste.
   • Plastic Recycling Efforts
     We tackled 56 kg of soft plastics and 70 kg of polystyrene, materials that are often hard to recycle. This was about stepping up our game and finding better ways to handle materials that typically pose challenges in construction.
   • Concrete and Plasterboard Recycling
     We managed to recycle 1.5 tonnes of plasterboard and a hefty amount of concrete, giving these materials a new life and cutting down on the need for new resources.

How We Make It Work:

Our success on the Mount Roskill project came down to a few key principles:

1. On-Site Waste Management
   We kept things organised by setting up a clear system for sorting and collecting waste on-site. Each material had its place, making recycling straightforward and landfill minimal.
2. Thinking Outside the Box on Recycling
   We looked into some fresh recycling approaches, especially for materials like plastics and concrete that don’t always have easy recycling pathways. This collaboration is helping us push the boundaries of sustainable construction.
3. Local Partnerships
   We worked with local recycling facilities and community groups, which meant we could divert more materials and make sure they found a second purpose. It’s about building a sustainable future that benefits everyone.
4. Educating and Empowering Our Team
   Every team member was on board, thanks to training that covered the “why” and “how” of sustainable building. This created a workplace culture where each person is committed to making responsible choices on-site.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next in Our Sustainability Journey

While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, we know there’s always more to do:

• Learning and Adapting
  We stay up-to-date with the latest in green construction so we can keep improving our approach to sustainability.
• Expanding Recycling Options
  New materials and new technologies mean new ways to recycle. We’re committed to exploring these options so that we’re always evolving.
• Collaborating with the Industry
  We’re excited to continue working with EIC and other forward-thinking organisations to spread sustainable practices. By sharing what we learn, we’re helping raise the bar for the entire industry.

We are committed to building a greener future. Our Mount Roskill project has shown us what’s possible, we’re ready to keep leading the charge. Sustainable construction is about more than just reducing waste—it’s about creating a future we’re all proud to live in.

If you would like to see another sustainable build, check out our award-winning project Gaia Forest School.