CIOB sustainability scholars focus on reducing waste

This year’s Chartered Institute of Building Sustainability Scholars, Edward Dixon from Mace and Richard Bartlett from Willmott Dixon, have produced cutting edge research that addresses a sustainable approach to reducing waste from two different angles: how lean management can be used to reduce construction waste, and the influence of sustainability drivers for main contractors with regard to material choices in non-domestic construction.

Each of the scholars presented their research to an invited audience of senior professionals in the construction industry at a special evening on 24th September 2014 at the Global Headquarters of Mace in London.

The two scholars received an award of £3,000 to complete a one-year research project of their own choice which will benefit the industry, the scholar and the company they work for.  Established in 2007 the sustainability scholarship is a joint partnership between the CIOB, the Worshipful Company of Constructors and the College of Estate Management.

Mike Parrett FCIOB Chair of the Sustainability Scholarship Panel and Junior Warden elect at the Worshipful Company of Constructors said, “On behalf of the Sustainability Scholarship Panel, it gives me enormous pleasure to congratulate both Edward Dixon of Mace and Richard Bartlett of Willmott Dixon for their skill, dedication and intellect shown in producing two extremely thought provoking pieces of research, that can and I am sure will make a valuable contribution to further reducing waste across the Construction sector.

“We have got to know these two fine young men over the period of 18 months of research and I could not speak more highly of them both in their professionalism and dedication to these important study areas, they have truly embraced sustainability and how this relates to the world in which they work. We wish them both very well for their future careers in the construction world.”

Edward Dixon from Mace researched how lean can be applied to reduce construction waste and incorporated a literature review with primary research. Part of the findings suggest that reducing waste requires better engagement, with techniques such as designing out waste proving to be less effective.

Richard Bartlett from Willmott Dixon explored what drives material selection for the main contractor and how sustainability drivers influence them. The results of this study found that despite there being a weighting towards more traditional drivers, the contractor sees themselves with a responsibility to integrate sustainability drivers into future decisions.

For full versions of the scholar’s research please contact Dr. Chung-Chin Kao Innovation and Research Manager at the CIOB on telephone +44 (0) 1344 630 776 or [email protected].

The CIOB is currently inviting applications for the Sustainability Scholarships 2014/15. For further information please click here.