SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Custodial and Waste

Topic

Custodial and Waste

Question #

P5.2b – Additional Waste Management Strategies

Question

Is a program in place at the building for recycling, waste avoidance, reuse or donation of the following waste streams?

Applicability

Office, Healthcare, Enclosed Shopping Centre, Universal, Light Industrial. Open-Air Retail
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building – waste managed by the owner/landlord

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = Points as indicated below

Select all that apply:

    • Ballasts, fluorescent tubes, CFL and lamps containing mercury = 1 point
    • Organic food material for composting = 1 point
    • Grease/cooking oil = 1 point
    • Other waste material = 1 point
  • No= 0 points
  • Not applicable – Tenant occupied building: Waste managed by the tenant = 0/0

Max of 4 points

Requirements

  1. Indicate all reduction, reuse and donation programs implemented at the building
  2. Collect Documentation to demonstrate these initiatives are in place, such as:
      • Donation program partnerships
      • Confirmed pick-ups from charities or organizations
      • Launch of reduction/avoidance campaigns

Documentation

  • Emails, memo, service agreements, photos or any other evidence which demonstrate requirements are met

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Implementing waste management strategies can reduce a building’s overall waste production, improve a building’s diversion rates and improve waste collection procedures
  • Improve the waste management at the building by implementing waste management strategies that focus on waste avoidance and diverting waste through recycling, reuse, and donation

Description

In addition to the typical list of designated materials for source separation that most regions accept to be recycled (paper, containers, cardboard) or composting (food waste), many organizations expand their collection programs to include other reusable/recyclable materials (where a demonstrated end-market exists).

Programs that reduce waste and recycling generation and reuse products instead of putting them into the waste stream is an important piece of a waste reduction strategy. A transition to a circular economy must go beyond recycling, and promote the reuse of existing materials, or the elimination of their production in the first place. Making a new product emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and requires a lot of materials and energy – raw materials must be extracted from the earth, and the product must be fabricated then transported to wherever it will be sold. As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money. (Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-reusing-basics)

References

None

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 08.03.02 – Has the recycling program been expanded to include any of the following waste materials?