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Project Code [2008-WRM-MS-3-S1]

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Project title

The Development of a Waste Prevention Design Tool for Architects and Designers

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)

Lead Applicant

Mark Kelly

Project Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (C&D W) production in 2005 was estimated at 14.9 million tonnes (EPA, 2006), making it one of the largest contributing waste sources in the country. Currently waste management solutions in the construction industry concentrate on end-of-pipe solutions (e.g. the waste is produced; what do we do with it?) The aim of this project is to move the focus higher up the waste hierarchy towards minimisation and prevention to:q Reduce the dependency on landfill and waste processing and their potential for environmental damage and climate change.q Reduce the unnecessary use of raw materials and the environmental impact associated with transport, waste treatment and disposal. The expected outputs are as follows:q Report and peer-reviewed paper on the role of extended producer responsibility in the construction industry.q Peer-reviewed paper on the generation of waste production and environmental impact indicators from point source assessments and case studies.q Report and peer-reviewed paper on the use of C&D W prevention design in selected case studies.q Publication of a set of C&D W Prevention Guidelines for Architects and Designers.q Publication of a dedicated project newsletter and website to be distributed throughout the industry.q Development of a ?Sustainable C&D W Management? module to be integrated into the B.Sc. in Architectural Technology, B.Sc. (Honours in Construction Management) and M.Sc. in Environmental Systems in the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.q Publication of a Ph.D. thesis arising from the research.q Feasibility study on the development of an electronic waste prevention design tool/database.

Grant Approved

�155,071.80

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Waste and Resources Management

Start Date

01/10/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/10/2011