Our concept is to develop a community-driven online service to facilitate the re-use of viable excess construction materials that would otherwise go to landfill.
The Problem:
The construction industry produces a substantial amount of waste; 13% of all products that are sent to construction sites are left unused according to the Technology Strategy Board, often being sent to landfill. This waste constitutes around 32% of landfills sites on average, producing significant environmental harm both from the site itself and the carbon footprint of the products being disposed of.
The Solution:
To combat this, we propose an online platform that connects construction companies with local community groups and charities to avoid such unnecessary waste.
The potential recipients of the unused materials can post a request for certain products and their location, which can then be seen by companies who want to offload specific items. Similarly, companies will also be able to do the same for items they wish to dispose of. The system will only be available for registered charities, education providers, and community groups that can prove their legitimacy to avoid issues with miss-use.
Material distribution and use can be achieved in a variety of ways, for example:
Individuals who have a project in mind
Small groups looking to improve social/community spaces
Working with local schools to provide workshops to students, introducing them to STEM and positive environmental practices
Local craftspeople/carpenters may use to create reclaimed furniture, (possible proceeds to charity etc.?)
Why will companies choose this over disposal?
Construction firms spend around £270 a tonne to dispose of waste. This, coupled with the opportunity to use the scheme for corporate social responsibility, will incentivise companies to use the platform.
This is a great idea - well done.
Something to think about is health and safety standards. A construction company won't want the responsibility of unqualified people in the community being in any risk of injury when trying to transport tonnes of waste away. I think showing that you've considered this point will add a practical element to your concept.
Another user group could also be other construction firms - since £270/tonne is the going rate I can imagine we're considering bulk here and the user group is likely to be another large project.
Keep up the good work! Jillian