 Melbourne, September, 2007
A Victorian first in recycling & resource recovery sets a building benchmark
A Victorian first initiative to recycle 95 per cent of all construction waste from Stage 1 (21 units) of a unique 197 unit retirement village development is setting the benchmark for other builders to follow.
Momentum Builders, working with Envirogrind Recycling Australia, are deploying new technology to recycle onsite brick, tile, timber and plasterboard.
Momentum Builders are turning plaster board normally earmarked for landfill into gypsum to be used in landscaping on Stage 1 of the Southern Cross Lynbrook retirement village development.
The recovery of these resources not only saves the environment but enhances the entire project development.
Plaster board waste is mulched into gypsum used in landscaping. Gypsum is a fertilizer that breaks down clay soils and can reduce garden water usage by up to 30 per cent. Framing timber and timber off cuts are mulched into woodchips used to stop soil erosion and create safe and clean walkways and entrances to the units under construction. In fact, 10 cubic metres of waste is reduced to only 6 cubic metres of mulched wood chips to ensure clean and dry works.
Cardboard, paper and plastic wrap are also collected and taken to Australian Paper Recyclers located 10 minutes from the site, where it is baled and processed for reuse. Scrap metal is stockpiled and transported to a local metal recycler and all plastic and glass is also recycled.
Ben Weiher Momentum Builders’ E.H. & S. Manager says, “We are very excited to be able to incorporate new innovative waste recycling processes within our planning and construction of this development. The trialing of recycling on site, coupled with other waste minimisation strategies, has delivered real economic and environmental benefits for our company and this site.”
Valerie Lyons, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Care (Vic), the community organisation developing this unique 55+ lifestyle community, is delighted that its contracted builder has taken this approach.
“It’s entirely consistent with our sustainability commitment,” says Ms Lyons. “The entire Southern Cross Lynbrook development has been deliberately designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable, from its six-star energy efficient units, to its drought efficient landscaping and water storage systems. We applaud Momentum Builders for their progressive approach and their shared vision of reducing the environmental impact of this development.”
Darlene Gaylor, Environmental Marketing Manager of Envirogrind Recycling Australia agrees. “This is a great initiative by Momentum Builders. All the contractors and employees have embraced the new process ensuring its success. Momentum Builders are leading the way in environmentally beneficial waste recovery and reuse that will result in monumental benefits not only for their company, this site and its intended occupants, but also for the next generation.”
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