BEAM Plus Existing Buildings

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BEAM PLUS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS MATERIALS ASPECTS (M A)
V ERSION 1.2 MA 7 WASTE MANAGEMENT
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 is pro-active in the management of potentially hazardous waste
(such as batteries, light fittings, etc);
 is pro-active in reducing use of toxic materials;
 is pro-active in reducing incoming waste streams (packaging etc);
 is pro-active in sourcing opportunities for recycling waste;
 is pro-active in educating, advising and facilitating building users to
adopt environmentally sound waste management practices; and
 is an ongoing commitment; and
 continues to be adequately resourced in time and effort.
The second credit can be awarded if the building management can
demonstrate success in reducing waste disposal to landfills and
increasing the amounts of waste recycled over at least 3 years previous.
Where waste management has been in place for less than 3 years the
onus shall be on the Client to demonstrate the extent of the gains
achieved in the short term were significant, and can be prolonged or
increased.
The Applicant shall provide documentation and photographic evidence.
BACKGROUND The managers of buildings can achieve a great deal in improving waste
management and recycling, especially through positive engagement with
building users [1]. Where waste management is in an emergent stage
the starting point is a waste stream audit to establish current waste
benchmarks, then to evaluate how each type of waste can be reduced
through source reduction, reuse and recycling. Development of a waste
management system, suitably resourced with facilities, staff and time,
should follow. Targets should include the reduction of incoming waste
streams, compliance with regulations in respect of hazardous waste,
reducing waste disposal at land fill, identifying recycling opportunities,
etc. Pro-active management should consider reducing use of toxic
materials, or at least ensure environmentally sound disposal. Examples
include mercury in lamps, batteries, equipment containing
polychlorinated biphenyl, etc.
Hong Kong generates several different types of waste, and each has its
own requirements for handling. The Environmental Protection
Department [2] keeps regular statistics on each waste type, such as
composition, quantity sent for disposal and quantity recycled, such as for
example, municipal solid waste [3], waste paper [4], plastic waste [5] and
glass bottles [6]
NOTE Purchasing practices, as covered elsewhere in this BEAM version, can
also contribute to reducing waste streams.
Reference should be made to Section 6 IQE 4 with regard to the hygiene
aspects of waste disposal.
1 Good Practice Guide to Waste Management for Hotels in Hong Kong
2 Environmental Protection Department. Waste Reduction Guidelines and Factsheets.
3 Environmental Protection Department. Waste Reduction and Recycling Factsheet No.1
4 Environmental Protection Department. Waste Reduction and Recycling Factsheet No.2.
5 Environmental Protection Department. Waste Reduction and Recycling Factsheet No.3.
6 Environmental Protection Department. Waste Reduction and Recycling Factsheet No.6.