This Is How We Build: On Site

Welcome to module 5 of 6 of the This Is How We Build training series: On Site

CLICK HERE to go back to the On Site Training Module Webpage.

These modules are designed to be completed as a whole for continued professional practitioner points and certification; or individually to test your knowledge on a particular subject.

If completing the entire This is How We Build series, each module will take you through different stages of a building, from inception through to end of life. Questions include hints, all of which can be found on the training module webpage or through provided links.

This fifth module focuses on the practical on-site actions that help reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, protect the environment, and support better project outcomes throughout construction.

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* 1. According to the BRANZ Level “Minimising Waste” page, how much waste does an average home build create?

2 tonnes

3 tonnes

4 tonnes

5 tonnes

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* 2. What is the primary purpose of a Site Waste Minimisation Plan (SWMP)?

To estimate labour costs for a project.

To track worker productivity on-site.

To identify expected waste streams and plan how materials will be reduced, reused, recycled, or diverted from landfill.

To schedule material deliveries and subcontractors.

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* 3. What is the role of an on-site sustainability lead?

To champion sustainability goals and help ensure site practices align with the SWMP.

To manage workers and subbies.

To inspect building consent compliance.

To approve all material purchases.

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* 4. How often should toolbox talks be held?

At the beginning of the project

Once a month

At least weekly and whenever significant site changes occur

Only when requested by subcontractors

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* 5. Which bin placement strategy can encourage better recycling and reuse?

Place recycling bins closer to workers and general waste bins further away.

Keep recycling bins off-site.

Place general waste bins closest to workers.

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* 6. According to BRANZ’s “Implementing Waste Sorting and Storage On-site” page, what are materials often wasted during the number 3 cladding phase?

Metal, timber, concrete

Metal, brick, concrete, timber, fibre-cement, plastics

Timber, concrete, soil, vegetation

Cardboard, timber, plastic, polystyrene, metal, tiles, hazardous materials, sweepings

Plasterboard, insulation, metal, plastic, polystyrene, cardboard, tile, sweepings

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* 7. In QLDC’s Environmental Site Management image, what does number 7 refer to?

Maintenance and inspections

Silt Fences

Keep concrete cutting away from drains & water courses

Drain/catchpit protection

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* 8. Which of the following helps reduce materials being wasted on-site?

Keeping materials in the open.

Disposing of unused materials at the end of each week.

Protecting materials from weather and damage.

Storing materials directly on the ground.

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* 9. According to the On Site training module, what is more important when starting out using SWMPs?

Eliminating all waste immediately.

Avoiding waste tracking until several projects have been completed.

Measuring and understanding waste streams, then improving over time.

Reaching your target diversion rates.

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* 10. A site is generating clean plasterboard off-cuts, but workers are throwing them into the general waste skip. What is the BEST response?

The sustainability lead catches this immediately, and brings to the attention of all crew. Site procedures are reviewed and ensure plasterboard is separated for recycling or recovery.

Leave it in the general waste skip because plasterboard cannot be recycled.

Mix it with metal recycling to save space.

Move the waste skip closer to workers.