Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste includes any kind of waste created in the construction process, for example, soil and stone. In Ireland we produced 8.2 million tonnes of C&D waste in 2020. We also extract millions of tonnes of raw metal ores and minerals for construction and other activities. C&D waste is the largest waste stream produced in Ireland and represents one third of all waste produced within the European Union. This sector is a priority area of the EPA led Circular Economy Programme (CEP) which supports reaching key targets under EU Circular Economy proposals, landfill capacity limitations and proper management of soil, stone and C&D materials.
An increased emphasis on preventing C&D waste and reducing the amount of C&D waste generated is needed.
The purpose of the Best practice guidelines for the preparation of resource & waste management plans for construction & demolition projects is to provide a practical approach which is informed by best practice in the prevention and management of C&D wastes and resources from design through to construction and deconstruction. The guidelines provide clients, developers, designers, practitioners, contractors, sub-contractors and competent authorities with a common approach to preparing Resource and Waste Management Plans.
The guidelines address the best practice approach for the following phases of a project:
Implementation of the guidelines will help Ireland prevent C&D wastes, encourage reuse of materials where possible and thereafter sustainably reduce and recover waste materials.
Construction & demolition is a priority area of the EPA-led Circular Economy Programme (CEP), which aims to prevent waste and drive the circular economy in Ireland. The CEP developed the following repository of guidance and reports into waste prevention and best practice in the construction and demolition sector.
Theme 2: Sustainability | |
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Reference | Resource link |
European Commission, 2019 | Level(s) - taking action on the total impact of the construction sector |
European Commission, 2017 | Level(s) - A common EU framework of core sustainability indicators for office and residential buildings |
Government of Ireland, 2016 | Government of Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness |
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, 2013 | Construction products regulation (CPR) |
OPW, 2009 | Sustainability policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW) |
Theme: C&D Waste Management | |
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Reference | Resource Link |
County and City Management Association, 2020 | Management of materials arising from roadworks. 2020 guidance for the local authority sector |
Environmental Protection Agency, 2021 | |
Environmental Protection Agency, 2019 | Guidance on soil and stone by-product |
European Commission, 2018 | EU guidelines for the waste audits before demolition and renovation works on buildings |
Transport Infrastructure Ireland, 2017 | The management of waste from national road construction projects |
European Commission, 2016 | EU construction and demolition waste management protocol - Executive summary |
European Commission, 2016 | EU construction and demolition waste management protocol |
ENCORD, 2013 | Construction Waste Measurement Protocol |
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 2020 | A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy |
Institute for Prospective Technological Studies Sustainable Production and Consumption Unit, 2012 | Best environmental management practice for the building and constructor sector |
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 2006 | These 2006 guidelines are in the process of being revised by the EPA and will be published following a public consultation period. |
European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
Encord European Network of Construction Companies for Research and Development