SUSTAINABILITY & GREEN BUILDING
There is no doubt that transitioning to zero waste is a challenge for an industry synonymous with waste. The work required becomes clearest when you consider the industry’ s waste-generation volumes. Historically, construction has followed the“ take-make-dispose” ideology, with demolition projects and widespread urbanisation as major generators of waste.
How much waste does construction generate? According to the World Green Building Council, construction accounts for 32 % of landfill waste. Meanwhile, the United Nations Environment Programme has found the building sector represents 39 % of CO₂ emissions.
In the US, construction and demolition( C & D) is the largest single waste stream by volume and weight. The US Environmental Protection Agency has found the US generates more than 600 million tonnes of C & D waste annually.
Redefining waste as a valuable resource Adopting practices that support zero-waste ambitions may be challenging, but it also presents opportunities for companies. One strategy is to adopt circular principles. The circular economy reframes waste as a resource in transition that can be continuously reused or recycled. The US Green Building Council
( USGBC), which is linked to LEED
110 October 2026