Did you know that you can save money AND carbon emissions through waste reduction strategies? These strategies may even boost your LEED project performance!
Here are a few of GCG’s recent projects that prioritized waste diversion and resource management in creative ways:
The Sonnentag – Eau Claire, WI
The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire has forever preserved the history of campus athletics by salvaging the bleachers from the existing Zorn Arena. The bleachers will be reused as a wall treatment for the concessions area at the newly constructed Sonnentag - the new home for UWEC basketball. Purchasing new wood wall cladding for this project would have cost $26,400. Not only did reimagining the bleachers save the project money, but also reduced the amount of waste going to landfill.
Market & Johnson, Inc. worked diligently with waste haulers to divert construction waste generated onsite.
San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio Zoo is committed to material reuse onsite as buildings age out and are reconstructed. Land clearing debris is saved and reused for animal habitats and lumber and fencing is reused across the Zoo when old exhibits are deconstructed. The recent Gorilla Exhibit and Events and Administration Support project preserved over 33 tons of limestone from old exhibits on the site. Limestone will be stored at the Zoo and reused as a veneer on new exhibit walls for the Gorillas, in keeping with the Zoo’s mission to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The gorillas will surely ape-preciate it!
Hill’s Pet Nutrition – Overland Park, KS
During the demolition of this 4-story office, the project team collaborated closely with product manufacturers to facilitate the recycling and future reuse of 39 tons of old carpet and nearly 30 tons of existing ceiling tiles. In addition, the team connected with two local churches and were able to donate 7.5 tons of carpet tiles pulled from the existing building, 3 tons of ceiling tiles, and 12 toilet partition dividers for reuse in the church, not only reducing landfill waste, but also fostering sustainable reuse within the community. By avoiding almost 92 tons of landfill waste, the project saved 322 kg of CO2e which is equivalent to 355 lbs of coal burned.
GCG worked closely with McCownGordon to ensure materials were tracked and diverted to the greatest extent possible.
