Zero Waste Construction, Joint Base Lewis McChord, America

The project is piloting zero waste in construction and exemplifies Lendlease’s innovative approach to conserving natural resources through design strategies that reduce the amount of materials needed for construction as well as reuse and recycling.  This effort builds on Lendlease’s experience at the Columbia Manhattanville project in New York City, where innovative practices in recycling gypsum board were piloted and proven effective in reducing construction waste.   
 
The hotel’s design incorporated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. This durable and sustainable wood building product was prefabricated and shipped directly from the manufacturer to the project site, minimizing both off-site manufacturing and on-site waste.  Additionally, the inclusion of prefabricated bathroom pods further prevented excess materials to be disposed at the site. 
 
Lendlease partnered with a leading waste hauler to develop a robust waste management plan that considered all materials brought to the site.  Several strategies were implemented to achieve a high rate of diversion from landfill.  Excess gypsum board and carpeting were returned to manufacturers and local waste management and recycling providers in the Seattle and Tacoma area were retained. In addition, early engagement with subcontractors and on-site workers was instrumental to achieving on-site recycling rates and to avoid waste cross-contamination.   

Since construction began in July 2018 to June 2019, the project has, on average, diverted 97 per cent of total construction waste from landfill.