The WASTEie Journey

PART 2 – UNVEILING THE PROCESS MAP

Building upon the insights shared in the first part of WASTEie, which introduced the approach taken by the collaborative consortium of 23 global partners in RECONMATIC, here we provide an update on progress with an exploration of the process map behind the upcoming specification and invite the industry to get involved.

When delving into the intricacies of C&D waste management, a comprehensive process map is a helpful guide in understanding the distinctions across the project lifecycle (note: we refer to material 'waste', otherwise known as 'by-product' etc). This should describe where and how to best facilitate information exchange.

Through this process map, we have uncovered complexities in C&D waste management, leading to innovation and sustainability opportunities crucial for construction industry circularity.

Summary: Building on the foundation set in Part 1, Part 2 outlines the process map developed to guide C&D waste management across a project's lifecycle. By exploring stages from design to demolition, it highlights the complexities of waste generation, opportunities for sustainability, and the critical role of robust data and stakeholder collaboration in enabling circular construction practices.

Unveiling the power of process maps

Inspired by building SMART Information Delivery Manual, Reconmatic identified three key steps for developing successful information exchange requirements:

Define the scope (see our first part)
Create a process map; and
Write the specification.

Three steps in creating a new information exchange

Our scope is solely focused upon C&D waste information exchange. While this may, on first appearance, seem straightforward, navigating through the process map quickly reveals complexities.

So, what exactly is a process map?

Think of it as a treasure map, guiding us through a labyrinth of activities and events that shape the world of waste management. The process map serves as our compass, illuminating the path towards effective information exchange. In our case, we closely examine how waste is generated through a typical asset's lifecycle. To set the framework, the team has identified project lifecycle stages, including design, construction, handover, maintenance, demolition and 'circular economy' stages.

Design and construction stages: architects of change

When crafting a comprehensive process map, the design and construction stages first emerge as critical stages in waste management. Our focus is on understanding the links between client requirements, coordinated models and the invaluable repository of material data banks, also known as product databases.

What is the most important aspect of waste management in construction?

Material passports
Process mapping
Information exchange

During the RECONMATIC team's exploration, it became clear that to maximise the potential of a product at the end of its life, we need access to robust manufacturer's information, including insights into resource potential and essential product details.

Fortunately, material passports, a brilliant concept from the Buildings as Material Banks project, already exist and serve as an excellent starting point for capturing vital product data (you can read more about the project and download its freely available data capture tool based on xml).

With every activity drawn, we are able to discern the responsible party for every task and event. This analysis has resulted in a list of 12 major actors who actively participate in waste management activities.

Below: Process map sample, where each yellow box identifies information exchange

Construction stage waste-related activities

As we progress through the various stages of the waste cycle, we should also consider often overlooked factors such as packaging, defects and temporary materials. These items are not necessarily modelled in BIM authoring tools, yet significantly impact waste generation.

Maintenance stage: sustaining the built environment

Transitioning to the operations and maintenance stage, we enter a pivotal phase in the lifecycle of an asset. Here, our focus shifts towards product information and the essential knowledge needed for periodic replacement and safe disposal. Facility owners seek to maintain optimal functionality, making recyclability and manufacturers' take-back schemes essential considerations.

In identifying the routes for product replacement, the RECONMATIC team next explored the fate of the product at the end of its life.

So far, we have identified three likely routes: manufacturer take-back schemes; reused product marketplace (if it exists); and waste transfer centres. It is clear how standardised data relating to these pathways can play a pivotal role in supporting their success, as these rely on the availability of accurate information regarding product origins, materials and end-of-life options to make informed decisions.

Demolition stage: unearthing hidden potential

As we approach the final stage of an asset's life, the demolition or deconstruction stage emerges as a critical juncture. Here, the spotlight shifts from product details to the importance of material properties.

Excluding products that could be sent back to the manufacturer (if they still exist), or products that could be repurposed or reused, we are left with building materials that require investigation for their resource potential.

This is where pre-demolition audits become invaluable.

At this point, physical, mechanical, chemical and historic information about the material takes precedence.

Given that an asset's lifespan can be 50 or even 100 years, the information gathered during design and construction might become outdated due to environmental impacts altering material properties. For this reason, samples are taken to laboratories to test the material prior to assigning end-of life options, essentially, striving to minimise landfill waste through more informed decision-making.

Conclusion

With the process map as our guide, the development of WASTEie is gaining momentum. Having illuminated the intricacies of waste generation and reduction, we are able to identify what information will have a positive impact in the C&D waste information exchange process, with a path towards a circular economy increasingly clear. Please join our journey of research and collaboration, as we strive to build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join the movement: engage and inspire

Our process map is evolving. Share your industry feedback on our open Miro board, a collaborative space for innovation. Your input will help shape practical waste management solutions.