Aim
To maximise the ongoing value of construction and other resources through the careful design and specification of materials. This aims to ensure that resources remain in use for as long as possible, that maximum value is extracted whilst in use, and will be recovered and regenerated at the end of each service life as products and materials that maintain rather than degrade resource value.
7.4.1 Business models for a circular economy - considered
(up to 6 points in Strategy Stage)
Scope
There is no one-size fits-all approach for an organization to deliver its defined circular economy objectives. The decision by the Assessor and Verifier on applicability will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.
Assessment criteria
The principles of a circular economy are considered via appropriate business models in line wit BS 8001:2017. One or more of the following procurement models can be demonstrated.
| Procurement models | Credits (each) |
| On-demand | 1 |
| Dematerialization | |
| Product life cycle extension/reuse | |
| Recovery of secondary raw materials/by-products | |
| Product as a service/product-service system(PSS) | |
| Sharing economy and collaborative consumption |
Guidance
BS 8001:2017 suggests there are six business model options that can support delivering a circular economy, these include:
- On-demand
- Dematerialization
- Product lifecycle extension/reuse
- Recovery of secondary raw materials/by-products
- Product as a service/product-service system(PSS)
- Sharing economy and collaborative consumption
The guide applies to all sectors however there are some which are particularly relevant to the construction sector and already widely used but benefits are unreported. These new criteria are being introduced to make infrastructure developers aware of the wider social and economic benefits it can bring.
Evidence
To demonstrate that circular economy business models have been used the project should provide evidence that one or more of the mentioned procurement models have been used for specific goods or services. If more than one procurement model can be demonstrated the score for each can be added together.
7.4.2 Business models for a circular economy - implemented
(up to 12 points in Strategy Stage)
Scope
There is no one-size fits-all approach for an organization to deliver its defined circular economy objectives. The decision by the Assessor and Verifier on applicability will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.
Assessment criteria
See 7.4.1 but award 2 credits for each procurement model implement.
Guidance
BS 8001:2017 suggests there are six business model options that can support delivering a circular economy, these include:
- On-demand
- Dematerialization
- Product lifecycle extension/reuse
- Recovery of secondary raw materials/by-products
- Product as a service/product-service system(PSS)
- Sharing economy and collaborative consumption
The guide applies to all sectors however there are some which are particularly relevant to the construction sector and already widely used but benefits are unreported. These new criteria are being introduced to make infrastructure developers aware of the wider social and economic benefits it can bring.
Evidence
To demonstrate that circular economy business models have been used the project should provide evidence that one or more of the mentioned procurement models have been used for specific goods or services. If more than one procurement model can be demonstrated the score for each can be added together.
7.4.3 Durability and low maintenance
(11 points in Design Stage)
Scope
Scope out only if there are no structures or major components on the project.
Assessment criteria
Durability and low maintenance of structures and components have been actively considered in design and specification.
Guidance
Extending the lifetime of a structure is likely to have considerable environmental benefits as it avoids the environmental impacts associated with later refurbishment or the building of a new structure. In the same way, a low maintenance structure reduces the environmental impacts relating to maintenance and is likely to enhance the structure's lifetime. Admittedly, there are likely to be trade-offs in this area, for example between more-durable paint systems and environmentally damaging treatments.
It is important to recognize that in the context of CEEQUAL, what is being looked for in the assessment of these options is consideration of the environmental cost, and a judgement about which option has the greatest lifetime environmental benefit and least adverse impact. This may lead to reduced whole life costs of the structure. Synergies between financial and environmental savings will present a particularly compelling case to Clients.
It is essential that the desired lifespan of a built structure is reflected in every detail of a structure. Often durability is comprised by minor components within it that have shorter design life than the structure itself and that were specified without bearing the overall objective in mind.
Evidence
In form of the specifications or in the report of a life-cycle costing analysis or a value-engineering project.
7.4.4 Long-term planned and maintenance (fixed)
(11 points in Design Stage)
Assessment criteria
Long-term planned maintenance has been considered properly in the design process.
Guidance
This should cover, at a minimum, the nature and practicality of work expected to be needed, the timescales for this work, and the provision of safe access for maintenance to be carried out. It should be written in a plan for maintenance for the project and delivered to the Client.
Evidence
In form of specifications, a hazard and operability study (HAZOP) assessment, in a contract maintenance schedule or in the form of a maintenance plan to be handed to the Client or managing agent.
7.4.5 Durability and low maintenance
(11 points in Design Stage)
Scope
The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.
Assessment criteria
A percentage (by volume) of components or pre-fabricated units used can be easily separated on disassembly/deconstructed into material types suitable for recycling or reuse.
| Percentage of components that can be easily separated on disassembly | Credits |
| 15% or more | 2 |
| 30% or more | 4 |
| 45% or more | 6 |
| 60% or more | 8 |
| 75% or more | 10 |
| 90% or more | 12 |
Guidance
Examples for suitable material types may include bricks, blocks, stone and concrete, treated and untreated timber, glass, PVC, different types of plastic, metal, paper and cardboard, and components.
Evidence
Needs to substantiate the percentage being claimed. This can be calculated by any appropriate means that assesses how materials are utilised and combined within the works. The volume of materials that contribute to 80% of the total by value should be used as a basis for the calculations.
7.4.6 Materials register (fixed)
(4 points Construction Stage)
Assessment criteria
A materials register been provided to the Client or future managing agent at hand-over that identifies main material types to facilitate recycling during disassembly or deconstruction.
Guidance
No specific guidance provided.
Evidence
Health and Safety file, provided this has been extended to include information about material types that will enable recycling on demolition.
7.4.7 Retention of existing structures and materials
(up to 15 points)
Scope
Scope out if no existing structures on site.
Assessment criteria
A percentage (by volume) of any existing structures and materials, such as roads, tanks, and pipework have been retained and used within the project as opposed to being demolished and crushed or disposed of.
| Percentage of existing structures and materials retained | Credits |
| 25% or more | 5 |
| 50% or more | 10 |
| 75% or more | 15 |
Guidance
This requirement is about the retention and reuse of existing structures. Any structures that are demolished, crushed and then reused on the project are covered in 7.48, 7.4.12, and 7.4.13.
The appropriate reuse of structures and parts of structures can significantly reduce the demand for new construction materials and other environmental burdens resulting from a development.
A pre-demolition audit and other site surveys will provide information on the existing structures and materials present on site in order to support decision making around the feasibility of incorporating existing structures and materials into the project.
It is important that these issues are considered at feasibility stage so that the design process can be focused on re-use rather than new construction. Actions to reuse or recover existing structures or materials may also lead to savings in cost and programme and a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the project. The volume of the structures would normally be worked out as part of the bills of quantities and, where reused, as part of an assessment of their suitability for reuse.
Evidence
Include the SWMP, site photographs, construction drawings, and/or bills of quantities, along with some form of substantiation of the percentage being claimed. Evidence could include a comparison of design calculations with waste transfer notes or other quantity surveying documentation.
7.4.8 On-site use of demolition arisings
(up to 32 points)
Scope
Scope out only if there was no demolition or deconstruction as part of the assessed works or if the nature of the works meant there was genuinely no opportunity for re-use of the materials within the project.
Assessment criteria
A percentage (by volume) of suitable/useable material from demolition or deconstruction on site has been incorporated into the project.
| Outcome | Credits |
| 25% or more | 6 |
| 50% or more | 12 |
| 75% or more | 18 |
| 90% or more | 32 |
Guidance
A single score is given across all three roles, because the Client or Designer may specify this requirement, rather than just leave the Contractor to choose to do it.
Ideally a pre-demolition audit is completed by an Independent and competent third party for any existing buildings, structures or hard surfaces that require demolition on site.
The key findings of the audit should be referenced within the Resource Management Plan (RMP) and include potential applications and any related issues for reuse and recycling of the demolition materials in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
Targets for levels of reuse and recycling should be set by the project delivery team.
Post-construction, an evaluation of the difference between the actual and the predicted levels figures are reported to CEEQUAL.
Evidence
Quantity surveyors' documentation or project accounts. The evidence provided should substantiate the percentage being claimed.
7.4.9 Cut and fill optimisation
(11 points in Design Stage)
Scope
Scope out only on projects where there is no excavation or in situations where a structure such as a tank is completely underground and there are no options on size.
Assessment criteria
An assessment has been made at design stage to ensure optimisation of cu and fill to reduce the quantity of excavated material to be taken off site.
Guidance
'Cut and fill' is the term used to describe the whole process of profiling of the landform for the project - excavation in some parts, deposition and compaction of excavated and/or imported material in others. The balancing of these two elements leads to minimalisation of the import or export of materials to and from the project. This balancing can be done by computer modeling or other, more-traditional methods.
Clearly this requirement is most applicable to road and rail schemes, and sometimes to airports and industrial estate development. However, it does need to be considered in any project where there is major excavation. In particular, it applies to structures that are semi-buried (such as service reservoirs) where there may be scope to balance cut and fill with how much of the tank is below ground.
Evidence
Form of calculations showing the cut and fill balance and/or contract drawings with mapped out areas for cut and fill and/or contract drawings with mapped out areas for cut and fill.
7.4.10 Soil management
(17 points in Design and Construction Stage)
Scope
The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.
Assessment criteria
A soil management plan has been prepared and implemented.
Guidance
The Defra document Code of Practice for the sustainable use of soils on construction sites recommends undertaking a Soils Resource Survey prior to commencing work and preparing a Soil Management Plan to be implemented during construction. The Code of Practice requires that a Soils Resource Plan should be produced on all construction sites where reusable reserves of topsoil and/or subsoil have been identified by the Soils Resource Survey.
Topsoil is correctly stored in stockpiles no higher than 2 meters. To avoid compaction of the soil, stockpiles must not be driven by heavy machinery. Vegetation long-term stockpiles with suitable plants may help prevent dust blow and erosion, silt run-off, and should assist in preventing invasive and/or noxious weeds from invading the soil. However, the extent to which this is appropriate, and which plants should or should not be used depends on the intended use of the topsoil.
Note: stockpiles should not be located within 10 metres of a watercourse.
Evidence
The results of the Soil Resource Survey and a copy of the Soil Management Plan. The Plan should contain detailed instructions on soil handling for the relevant project (not a general statement). Could also include a soil handling and management strategy, or minutes of site meetings referring to the handling and storage of topsoil.
7.4.11 Beneficial re-use of top soil
(up to 8 points in Construction Stage)
Scope
The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.
Assessment criteria
All topsoil has been re-used beneficially as topsoil on the site or on a site within a reasonable distance
| Outcome | Credits |
| All beneficially reused off site | 2 |
| Majority (over 50%) beneficially reused on site | 4 |
| All beneficially reused on site | 8 |
Guidance
Refer to 7.6.1 if the topsoil is to be or has been moved off site because waste management controls may apply.
Topsoil is an organic material and is only reused beneficially if layers are not applied too deep as this would destroy its structure. In addition, certain types of habitats actually require very little or no topsoil at all. Re-use on site for the sake of it, in places and at a thickness that is not required, would therefore not be 'beneficial' re-use. What represents a 'reasonable distance' must be judged in the context of the project and its location. It might be 15km in a built-up area, but up to 100km if the site generating the surplus topsoil is in a remote area.
Evidence
Form of calculation to support the credits awarded. This could be a comparison of design calculations to waste transfer notes. The definition of reasonable distance needs to be mutually agreed between the Assessor and Verifier.
7.4.12 Reclaimed or recycled materials (fixed)
(up to 7 points in Design or Construction Stage)
Assessment criteria
A percentage (by volume) of materials from offsite (excluding bulk fill and sub-base) for use in the permanent works has been specified and made from reclaimed or recycled material, whether reclaimed from the site or elsewhere.
a) Specified
| Percentage specified | Credits | Assessment Stage |
| 20% or more | 1 | Design |
| 50% or more | 4 | |
| 75% or more | 7 |
b) Used
| Percentage used | Credits | Assessment Stage |
| 20% or more | 1 | Construction |
| 50% or more | 4 | |
| 75% or more | 7 |
Guidance
Examples include reclaimed bricks, and elements or components using recycled materials such as recycled plastics or reprocessed timber. Recycled materials must satisfy the necessary performance and quality criteria.
Where materials are reused or recycled, the highest grade of reuse possible will be the most environmentally beneficial. There are a number of opportunities to reuse or recycle materials:
- reusing or recycling materials already on site in the new works (which also minimises transport impacts);
- bringing in reclaimed or recycled materials from off site without imposing high transport impacts
- seeking opportunities for use elsewhere of reclaimed or recycled on site materials that cannot be used on site (also without imposing high transport impacts)
- ensuring that opportunities for the reuse and recycling of materials at the end of the structure's lifetime are maximised.
Metric
In addition to calculating the percentage by volume of materials used in permanent works made from reclaimed and recycled material, the recycled content by total project construction value may also be reported, through a metric such as:
Recycled content for products used may be estimated based on standard industry practice for most products, or project specific data may be used for products where good practice is deliberately being used (i.e. the recycled content of given material product exceeds the industry standard).
Evidence
Form of specification requirements. Needs to substantiate the percentage being claimed. Evidence could alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.
7.4.13 Reclaimed or recycled bulk fill and sub-base
(up to 5 points in Design or Construction Stage)
Scope
Scope out if the project used o bulk fill or sub-base.
Assessment criteria
A percentage (by volume) of bulk fill and sub-base material from off site is specified in the project and was made from previously used material, whether reclaimed from the site or elsewhere.
a) Specified
| Percentage Specified | Credits | Assessment Stage |
| 40% or more | 2 | Design |
| 60% or more | 3 | |
| 80% or more | 4 | |
| *If this was generated on site | Add 1 |
b) Used
| Percentage Used | Credits | Assessment Stage |
| 40% or more | 2 | Construction |
| 60% or more | 3 | |
| 80% or more | 4 | |
| *If this was generated on site | Add 1 |
Guidance
See guidance for 7.4.12.
Evidence
Bills of quantities, delivery notes, and/or a quantity surveyor's report, along with some form of substantiation of the percentage being claimed. WRAP's Net Waste Tool can be used to forecast, monitor and capture actual performance.
7.4.14 Beneficial re-use of excavated material
(up to 32 points in Design and/or Construction Stage)
Assessment criteria
A percentage (by volume) of excavated material has been beneficially re-used on site.
| Outcome | Credits |
| 30% or more | 14 |
| 50% or more | 20 |
| 90% or more | 26 |
| 100% | 32 |
Guidance
Design for reuse and recovery of materials already on site is fundamental to achieving materials resource efficiency, minimising the quantities of materials that have to be imported or exported from site. The ability to score for the design stage reflects the importance of this stage in identifying and specifying materials for reuse especially as it is rarely possible to amend the design at construction stage to take advantage of any surplus excavation arisings.
Reuse near the site, as opposed to on the site, is covered in 7.6.10 and 7.6.11 on diversion of waste away from landfill. Reuse of excavated materials off site includes taking material to landfill if the materials is genuinely inert and is used for beneficial reuse, such as for capping and other engineering purposes.
Evidence
Form of calculation to demonstrate the credits being awarded. This may be on the basis of design calculations compared to information documented in the SWMP or equivalent and actual waste transfer notes or some other form of quantity surveying documentation.
7.4.15 Surplus materials
(20 points in Construction Stage)
Assessment criteria
An assessment has been undertaken and implemented to reduce the amount of surplus material ordered.
Guidance
Over-ordering is still standard practice within construction, but it can contribute to the overall wastage rates if materials become surplus to requirements. Reducing over-ordering can help reduce the amount of waste produced as well as saving money. Examples of actions to reduce over-ordering include targeting accurate ordering, logistics planning, or installation elements.
Metric
Assessment and monitoring of measures taken to reduce surplus materials ordered may be reported as comparisons to initial targets set for minimum surplus materials ordered agains actual ordered surplus materials, based on calculations of:
Evidence
Documented evidence that material forecasting and logistics planning have been undertaken, which clearly illustrates how over-ordering has been addressed. Evidence of measures taken to record material ordered to site and then not used in works, could be within Site Waste Management Plan and/or other quantity surveying documentation. Evidence could alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.
7.4.16 Materials storage
(20 points in Construction Stage)
Assessment criteria
Materials have been stored appropriately to avoid wastage.
Guidance
See CIRIA Environmental good practice on site guide (4th Edition)(C741, 2015).
Evidence
Photographic evidence or site records. The Verifier should ascertain that photographs demonstrate a sustained achievement of this requirement for the duration of the project.
7.4.17 Beneficial use of surplus materials
(up to 18 points in Construction Stage)
Assessment criteria
A percentage of unused (surplus) materials have been beneficially re-used (or stored for re-use).
| Outcome | Credits |
| 50% or more | 6 |
| 70% or more | 9 |
| 90% or more | 12 |
| No or minimal unused materials | 18 |
Guidance
Unused surplus materials are any construction materials not used within the project, but can also include bulk materials that are not only usable without processing, but are also movable to a site where such use is made of them. For the purposes of this criteria, the definition of reuse is that given in the Waste Framework Directive, any operation by which products or components that are not waste are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived.
To achieve the maximum score for "no or minimal unused materials" the evidence must demonstrate that the assessment in 7.4.15 was fully implemented and no or minimal unused materials were generated.
Unused materials are, regrettably, almost inevitable on any civil engineering project, but this criterion is in no way meant to encourage
Evidence
Records that show that surplus materials have been taken to another site for use, compared with waste disposal records. Any records need to substantiate the percentage being claimed. A declaration made by the Contractor as to how surplus materials have been used and/or disposed of would be acceptable. The exact score and evidence acceptable must be at the discretion of the Verifier.
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