SmartWaste and sustainable construction glossary

Glossary

Biodiversity and ecology

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. In construction, it refers to the practices that protect and enhance the ecological features of the construction site.

Duty-of care compliance

A legal obligation imposed on construction companies to apply a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that could foreseeably harm others. In the context of waste management, it involves ensuring proper disposal of waste and adherence to waste management regulations.

Embodied carbon

The carbon footprint of a material. It considers all emissions associated with the production of a material, from the extraction of raw materials, through to product delivery.

Energy use

The consumption of energy in a construction project. This includes the energy used in construction processes, in operating construction equipment, and in buildings once they are constructed.

Materials management

The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the flow of materials to, through, and out of a construction site in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Social value

The quantification of the relative importance that people place on the changes they experience in their lives. In construction, it refers to the positive outcomes brought by the project to the local community.

Sustainability and environmental targets

Goals set by a construction company to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. These targets can be related to waste reduction, energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and more.

Transport impacts

The environmental impacts associated with the transportation activities in a construction project. This includes the emissions from vehicles used to transport materials, waste, and workers.

Waste management

The activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. This includes collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of waste, along with monitoring and regulation.