The new headquarters for the Royal Flying Doctor Service based in Jandakot is breaking new ground with the project set to be the first Western Australia test case for the study and assessment of waste management and recycling on a commercial project.

Designed by Hames Sharley, the study and assessment will be undertaken by Earthcare Consulting and Encycle Consulting with support from the Master Builder’s Association.

Project Architect Sandro Kristofich, says the opportunity to be involved in a new environmental initiative that will assist further study and raise awareness of waste minimization on construction sites is a positive step in the right direction.

“We are embracing this fantastic opportunity to be part of the study process that will focus on how companies can help reduce waste often produced on commercial construction sites going straight to landfill,” Mr Kristofich says.

“The scope of the study will include cost implications with waste management issues and opportunities monitored by us as well as other consultants during construction, and then assessed upon completion.”

In Western Australia, approximately 50% of all waste entering landfill is derived from construction waste. This equates to over 1 million tonnes of construction waste sent to landfill every year with the majority of the material capable of being reused or recycled.

Dr Sue Robson from EarthCare says they with monitor along with Encycle Consulting, the waste arising from the construction sector in order to create recommendations for future diversions of this waste to a variety of recycling initiatives.

“An integral part of the success of this study is the accurate capture of current data and the subsequent ability to use this information collectively to find the best possible recommendations of improvement,” Dr Robson says.

“The new Royal Flying Doctors Headquarters provides a fantastic opportunity to develop a best practise waste management system for commercial waste that can benefit all parties in the future.”