SMARTWaste

Better waste management strategies which improve resource use and reuse in the construction and demolition (C&D) industry, can reduce the environmental impact of C&D processes whilst boosting profitability. In order to manage these processes the Resource Efficiency team at BRE have developed a measurement tool which is known as the SMARTWaste System.

SMARTWaste assists companies in improving their waste management strategy by benchmarking with SMART tools which help to identify the most appropriate waste minimisation and management techniques that are available. The system is entirely web-based and enables immediate and automated reporting and includes two waste auditing tools (SMARTStart^TM and SMARTAudit^TM), a waste monitoring tool (SMARTStart+) and a waste management facility locator (BREMAP^TM).

These tools can be found at http://www.smartwaste.co.uk/ (The auditing and monitoring tools have trial sites which can be accessed by logging on using the username guest and password guest).

SMARTStart^TM is a very quick and easy to use software tool enabling the user to define their environmental and key performance indicators (EPIs and KPIs) for waste generation on a site by site, and organisation basis. This facility takes very little time or effort to collect the data or update the company specific web page. A growing number of construction industry companies are committed to using SMARTStart on their sites.
SMARTStart+ is a version of the SMARTStart tool which has been developed to help companies, particularly those managing a large number of projects and Local Government controlled contracts, in awarding construction and demolition contracts on a ‘Best Value’ basis. SMARTStart+ incorporates the measurement tool SMARTStart so that project managers can establish and monitor the performance of contractors working on their projects. It can also be used to maximise the reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste leaving sites. It requires very little time and effort to set targets and monitor performance.

SMARTAudit^TM is a unique mechanism by which construction waste can easily be benchmarked and accurately categorised by source, type, amount, cause and cost. This data is a springboard to identifying and prioritising actions to reduce waste and costs. SMARTAudit can be applied, following training by BRE, to any waste generating activity, and has already been adapted and used on a number of prestigious construction projects and in the pharmaceutical industry.

BREMAP^TM is a web based Geographical Information System (http://www.bremap.co.uk/) developed by BRE, via funding by Biffaward through landfill tax credits, and through a donation from the Institution of Civil Engineers. It is an interactive tool designed to help define the best practical environmental option (BPEO) for waste and can be used to enhance waste management as part of the BRE SMARTWaste^TM system. Users can type in their site postcode and BREMAP can produce a map pinpointing waste management, recycling, recovery, reclaim, reuse and disposal facilities. within a radius of choice.

Further information on these tools can be found on our website  or by contacting the SMARTWaste Team: Tel: 01923 664471, Fax: 01923 664104, E-mail: smartwaste@bre.co.uk