Delivering waste efficiency in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Delivering waste efficiency in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers (IP 12/14) was written by Stuart Blofeld and published by BRE on 18 November 2014.
This information paper is part of a series of BRE publications providing guidance for facilities managers, maintenance contractors and building owners about the operation and management of commercial buildings. It provides guidance about how to implement an integrated waste management strategy through improved facilities management and is targeted at facilities managers who are responsible for organising waste management services.
The provision of waste management services in commercial buildings can be varied, with many different operating models dependent on the contractual arrangements in place between the building owner, facilities management company, tenants and waste management contractors.
Waste management is becoming an increasingly important part of a facilities manager’s role, with key drivers including:
- Compliance with existing waste legislation.
- Pressure to reduce building management costs and increase profitability.
- Implementation of company environmental management systems that require better reporting of waste management.
- Client corporate social responsibility to reduce waste and divert waste from landfill.
This information paper provides an overview of the waste hierarchy and UK waste legislation and examines techniques for understanding the causes of waste and the actions that can be taken to prevent waste. It also provides guidance about benchmarking performance, setting targets, the importance of user engagement and key issues when contracting waste management services.
Its contents are:
- UK legislation and the waste hierarchy.
- Gaining an overview.
- Frequency of waste collection.
- Developing a waste prevention plan.
- Benchmarking your waste performance.
- Developing a waste management performance specification.
- Conclusions.
- References.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM Construction waste management.
- BREEAM Operational waste.
- BREEAM Recycled aggregates.
- BREEAM.
- Construction waste.
- Definition of waste: Code of practice.
- Materials Management Plan (MMP).
- Site waste management plan.
- Waste management plan for England.
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.