Reduce
Techniques for reducing the amount of material used in construction without
any harmful consequences to the structure are still being developed. One
of the best debris reduction techniques, Advanced
Framing, can
greatly reduce the amount of lumber used in wood framing for houses.
The WasteWise Challenge program is designed to help partners expand existing
waste reduction programs and adopt new strategies proven most successful
by other partners. Each WasteWise Challenge focuses on a specific material
or product type. The WasteWise
Building Challenge focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling C&D
materials. By pledging to the Challenge, WasteWise partners can receive implementation
assistance and earn recognition as environmental leaders. EPA recognizes
Challenge Partners of the Year based on participants' successful Challenge
results.
Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) is a free, nonregulatory EPA service dedicated to reducing or eliminating industrial pollutants through technology transfer, education, and public awareness. The PPIC Web site provides links to many EPA pollution prevention resources.
The C&D Waste Reduction and Recycling series factsheets focus on reducing construction waste:
- Waste Recycling Through Commingled Recovery: The Summerfield Heights Residential Development (2 pp, 84K, About PDF)
- Onsite Source Reduction: Cutting the Scrap (2 pp, 208K, About PDF)
For information on more ways to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, visit EPA's Green Buildings site.