We have adopted stringent standards for waste recycling and minimization on all projects and we require new projects recycle a minimum of 75 percent of construction waste.

Most projects exceed that goal, and in some cases, more than 95 percent recycling will occur. These efforts include a combination of creative strategies including recycling of raw materials produced in demolition, minimizing waste by asking suppliers to eliminate packing and shipping materials, and reusing building components.

The major energy consumption areas during construction will be electrical energy, especially lighting, and temporary heating, as needed.

• Putting the construction electrical service on a timer to shut down after hours, with the ability to illuminate based on motion detection. This approach reduces energy consumption and enhances security, because anyone trespassing the site at night would be flagged from the motion detection.
• Implement the use of high efficiency light bulbs for temporary lighting.
• Install a vestibule at the major trade entrance, and strip curtains at loading areas to reduce heat loss in the winter while doors remain open at times.
• Install insulated plywood and insulated tarps for temporary protection of any area.
• Expedite installation of insulated Low-E windows and facade/enclosure materials prior to the winter construction heating season.

Construction waste minimization refers to the practices and strategies employed to reduce the amount of waste generated during the construction process, such as recycling materials, using reusable resources, and implementing efficient waste management plans.

• Provide separated dumpsters for the major recycled materials (metals, wallboard, cardboard, masonry) and designate a laborer to sort this trash into the appropriate containers.
• Purchase materials specifying minimal packaging and require truckers to haul off major packaging materials at time of delivery. Also minimize truck idle time on site.

Reducing job site chemicals in construction involves using alternative materials and methods to minimize or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in construction processes and products, in order to improve worker safety, environmental sustainability, and overall health.

• Maximize implementation of LEED guidelines to specify low-VOC materials.
• Require pre-submittal MSDS sheets for any chemicals before they are brought to the site, with a statement of intent. This will prevent contractors from bringing random chemicals on site without proper notice or management, and will discourage use of chemicals that are not required for the installation process.
• Implement a pre-fabrication program to assemble building components to the fullest extent off-site. This moves the use of many adhesive and finish chemicals to a controlled, ventilated shop environment, where they can be managed more effectively.