Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction

Transcription

1 Waste logistics case study Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction Well planned material and waste logistics is fundamental to improving the sustainability of UK construction. This case study examines the benefits resulting from the use of a dedicated construction logistics contractor on a UK site.

2 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 2 Background Global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has a long history of major construction on its research and manufacturing sites in the UK s North West. This case study focuses on their more recent engagement of Wilson James Ltd to manage the logistics of new material supply and waste arisings for one of these developments, revealing how pre-planning and careful management in this area can lead to more sustainable construction. The appointment of a construction logistics contractor was essentially a leap of faith for us. This has definitely paid off in both costs and benefits. Brian Street, AstraZeneca, HSE Manager Site operations AstraZeneca embarked on the 42M construction of Block 41 at Alderley Park, Cheshire at the start of The building, designed to house new offices and laboratories, is located between current operational buildings at the heart of the site, giving a particular challenge to the build. At the time of this case study the site had finished the demolition stage and following enabling works was completing the pile caps. The building is scheduled to be complete by the end of AstraZeneca has developed an approach to its construction projects that involves an alliance of contractors with whom they have a long-standing relationship (up to 20 years in some cases) and firm trust. This alliance works on an open-book arrangement, with financial incentives built in to improve performance. As a result the contractors have formed a close-knit group, with close co-ordination on site.

3 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 3 When AstraZeneca proposed the use of a dedicated logistics management company on a previous build, there was some initial scepticism of the benefit that this would bring to the alliance. The appointment of Wilson James Ltd to this task was a leap of faith for AstraZeneca, as they could not accurately quantify the benefits that would be gained compared to the costs of this service. Wilson James Ltd provides bespoke logistics solution to construction contractors for both new material delivery and wastes (and is a signatory of WRAP s Halving Waste to Landfill commitment). Experience showed that they could implement a far more efficient logistics system which would bring a host of benefits with costs comparable to outsourcing logistics via individual service contracts. The construction logistics service AstraZeneca has effectively out-sourced all logistics co-ordination to Wilson James. This broadly means that Wilson James is responsible for planning all logistics movements to and from site, including: arranging with suppliers when materials will be delivered to site; supervising the delivery of materials; transfer of materials across site, as and when needed; supply of appropriate (smaller) containers for waste to the areas of the site where work is being undertaken; transfer of waste to the dedicated waste compound on site; and delivery of material to appropriate recovery and recycling facilities.

4 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 4 Figure 1 Wilson James employee manages a delivery on site A high priority for both client and contractors is the segregation and reuse and recycling of construction wastes. This process is managed and motivated by Wilson James staff, with the help of clear signs and containers. AstraZeneca s experience from their previous project (and expectation for this project) is that through focussing on the logistics aspects of their operations they can create a much more efficient working environment that will: be a safe environment to work in; reduce the nuisance caused to those that work at the Alderley Park site and its neighbours; save on the wastage of materials brought on to site; and deal with the waste produced in the most efficient way, maximising recycling potential and controlling waste vehicle movements. What are the results? The leap of faith taken by AstraZeneca was required as it is often difficult to quantify (or monetise) the benefits of improved logistics up-front, or often even post construction (unless there is rigorous

5 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 5 accounting and collection of data, something that Wilson James Ltd are able to provide). Some of the perceived benefits are discussed here. Vehicle movements controlled All deliveries to site are managed such that there is no conflict between staff commuting to site and delivery vehicles. Deliveries are also evenly spread across the week to avoid congestion. The schedule is displayed in a prominent area on a TV screen, and suppliers that regularly miss deadlines are named and shamed. Wilson James manages the lay down area for materials, ensuring that materials are protected from onsite damage. Reduced wastage of new materials Once materials are secured in the lay down area Wilson James are responsible for their movement across site. They are able to call upon a range of plant and equipment for this task most ideally suited to the materials and the site conditions, such as their remote telehandler (See Figure 2). Figure 2 Telehandler for movement of materials and wastes

6 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 6 AstraZeneca feels that the independence of Wilson James, together with their experience in this area leads to less breakage of materials on site. They are able to determine the daily material needs for each trade and control delivery of the right amount when needed from the lay-down area. This keeps access to all areas of the site free for as many trades as possible, increasing productivity. Where opportunities exist, Wilson James will also share off-cuts and part loads of materials between contractors. An example of this is screw rods for fixing services. Leftovers are circulated between trades (electrical, mechanical and data) to ensure that they are fully utilised. Reduced waste sent to landfill Wilson James carries out site inductions for all site operatives. During this process the broad range of recycling actions required on site is introduced, and the responsibilities of the contractors outlined. Wilson James segregates nine individual material streams on site for recycling, such as timber, metals, plasterboard and cardboard, with the remainder (typically a mixture of sweepings and small amounts of non hazardous material that is not segregated) being sent for disposal. Wilson James will provide contractors with appropriate recycling bins for material at their site of work, ensure that they are being used, and will transfer the collected material to the waste management compound.

7 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 7 Figure 3 Site cleared and hard packed for a large dedicated waste management compound Working with each contractor, Wilson James will plan in advance for the likely waste arisings of each material (from each trade) and will ensure an appropriate skip or wheeled bin is ready in the waste compound. The collection schedule for each container is also configured to its size and rate of waste production to ensure the best use of the waste management compound and the most efficient transport logistics. Through this careful planning, the collection of waste is simplified for those working on site, and the movement of waste vehicles on site is minimised. Waste materials are largely delivered direct to re-processors for recovery and recycling, and for example on the AstraZeneca site: plasterboard will be delivered directly to a recycling plant; metals are taken to a metals recycling plant; timber will be recovered for use as both biomass and as animal bedding; and mixed waste is taken to one of two materials recovery facilities (MRFs) within 12 miles of the site where up to 85% is recycled.

8 Dedicated logistics management for more sustainable construction 8 Conclusions AstraZeneca is clear on the benefits of employing a dedicated construction logistics contractor. They expect that the costs of employing a contractor (in this role) on its previous build will come in at a similar rate to that of paying individual contractors (and its own staff) to manage this. There is much clearer management of materials and so a greater level of segregation is achieved on site. This in turns leads to a large proportion of the waste generated on site being recycled as it is of greater quality when it reaches reprocessors. The movement of vehicles and material is much smoother, with fewer issues on supply of material and a much greater proportion of waste captured and sent for recycling. In addition to this, there is as minimum disruption as possible to the c.4,500 staff working at Alderley Park. Having this system in place before work commences means that all contractors are aware of, and respond to the system in place. Wilson James provides a monthly report on the progress towards recycling targets. Block 41 achieved a 96% recycling rate for the demolition stage (which included fixtures and some fittings), of which AstraZeneca are especially proud. By sending the material direct to reprocessors where possible, AstraZeneca can be assured that as great a proportion as possible of waste is recycled. Looking forward, AstraZeneca is reviewing the possibility of using Wilson James to manage other plant, such as scissor lifts. These are used by multiple trades independently, but often left unused whilst still on hire. Having these managed across trades has the potential to make further cost savings.

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