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Goals, Partnerships and Programs
EPA Goals for C&D | EPA Partnerships and Programs | Other Federal Programs
EPA Goals for C&D Reduction and Utilization
C&D materials are a treasure trove of resources that can be used in more efficient ways than disposal. In dealing with C&D materials, EPA’s goals are to:
- Characterize, measure, and increase knowledge and understanding of the C&D materials stream;
- Promote research and development on best practices for C&D materials reduction and recovery;
- Foster markets for construction materials and other recycled materials that can be incorporated into building products;
- Work with key players in the construction, remodeling, and demolition industries to implement more resource-efficient practices; and
- Incorporate C&D materials issues and projects into broader “green building” programs.
EPA Partnerships and Programs
EPA is actively working on C&D materials issues through a number of activities:
- GreenScapes
An EPA program that promotes environmentally beneficial landscaping practices for large land-use activities such as shopping and retail centers, recreational facilities (e.g., golf courses, ski resorts, amusement parks, public gardens), roads and highways, abandoned industrial sites (i.e., Brownfields), large university campuses, and military installations.
- Green Buildings
EPA promotes a wide range of programs that support Green Building. An important component of Green Building is the reuse or recycling of C&D building materials.
- EPA’s Sector Program seeks industry-wide environmental gains through innovative actions taken with a number of manufacturing and service sectors, including the Construction Sector. “Green construction” is an important emphasis of this site.
- The Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center
provides explanations of environmental rules for the construction industry and links to detailed information, including state regulations and other resources.
- The Building Deconstruction Consortium (BDC)
EPA is working with the Army’s Construction Engineering Research Lab, the USDA Forest Products Lab, the University of Florida’s Center for Construction and Environment, and Habitat for Humanity to demonstrate, document, and disseminate best practices for the “deconstruction”—disassembly for reuse and recycling of the pieces—of Army buildings.
Other Federal Programs Related to C&D Materials
- US Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence
Features several resources for C&D debris management and planning including References and Resources for C&D Waste Management.
- US Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Lab produced the Concepts for Reuse and Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste on how to reduce C&D at Army installations.
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory
Conducts extensive research into the recovery of wood from the C&D stream.
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Investigates the usefulness of deconstruction practices to the housing industry.
- GSA’s Construction Waste Management Database
Contains information on companies that haul, collect, and process recyclable debris from construction projects. Created in 2002 by GSA'’s Environmental Strategies and Safety Division to promote responsible waste disposal, the database is a free online service for those seeking companies that recycle construction debris in their area.
- US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
Provides information about recycling concrete and asphalt in highway construction.
