Source: Whangarei District Council
Updated: 21/08/2020 1:09 p.m.
Local company Barfoote Construction have begun deconstructing the old Returned and Services Association (RSA) buildings on Rust Ave, preparing the site for Whangārei District’s new civic building.
With a focus on sustainability, the team from Barfoote are working closely with Whangarei District Council to reduce the amount of demolition waste going to landfill. A target of a minimum of 60% of all deconstructed materials that come from the site are planned to be reused, recycled or repurposed.
Trevor Barfoote, Director of Barfoote Construction, explains that this focus on sustainability has become an industry standard, and he’s happy to see Council apply such rigorous standards to its own projects.
“I have been working in the construction industry for more than 30 years, and during this time I have seen many changes. One of the best things to happen through this time is the move towards more sustainable, environmentally-friendly building materials, and the increased awareness of what’s going into our landfills. We’ve had a sustainable mindset in our own company since formation, it’s that important to us.
“We make a real effort to reduce the amount of demolition waste going into local landfills, through separating out the materials that are reusable, recyclable and that can be repurposed.”
With construction and demolition waste making up nearly 50% of New Zealand’s total waste going to landfill, Barfoote Construction is acutely aware of the importance of bringing those figures down.
Mr Barfoote is happy to see that Council is also placing a high importance on sustainable practices.
“We already have strong guidelines within our own business, ensuring that all of our salvage and demolition work follows sustainable best-practice. It’s great to see that Whangarei District Council have their own Sustainability Strategy in place, which means they place a high value on contractors who follow these guidelines.
“I think the industry definitely needed to reprioritise environmental impact, and if we can have sustainable practices like this as a baseline model, we’re on the right track to making a real positive change.”
