A new hi-tech project, devised by the Welsh Government-sponsored initiative ‘Constructing Excellence in Wales’ (CEW), has been launched across four pilot sites across the country, all as part of a technologically advanced effort to rethink and reduce construction site waste.
CEW is implementing the trial across construction sites in Cardiff, Cardiff Bay, Newport and Swansea using technology including photography drones and design modelling.
Aerial images are being captured using a drone from Cardiff-based Heli-Eye, while Arup and Gillard Associates are using BIM modelling to look at how design changes might affect reductions in waste.
The hi-tech monitoring initiative, named ‘Enabling Zero Waste’ has been devised in an attempt to identify ways in which construction and demolition projects can generate less waste.
Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food said: “The construction and demolition sectors in Wales are achieving high recycling and re-use rates already and I congratulate them on their success. “However the sector still has more to do to reach our 2025 goal of zero waste to landfill."
“This project will explore how the industry can go further to reduce waste and help us move towards a circular economy in Wales.”The four live construction sites currently being supported by the initiative are:
- Care Home, Newport (Castleoak Care Partnerships Ltd)
- Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea (John Weaver Contractors Ltd)
- Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff Bay (Kier Construction)
- Millbank Primary School, Ely, Cardiff (WRW Construction Ltd)
The chosen schemes will also be supported with practical assistance on all aspects of waste management from concept to completion.