Sustainable Waste Management
Background
GHD was engaged to review waste-management practices at a large retail centre, to identify ways to improve sustainability in line with the client’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The challenge
Our client already achieved high recycling and landfill diversion rates across their operations yet sought to further enhance sustainability efforts throughout the company. They aimed to align waste and resource management more closely with carbon-reduction goals, moving away from traditional metrics like mass and focusing instead on carbon impact. The challenge required assessing current practices, proposing effective changes, and prioritising strategies that could be implemented efficiently.
Our response
We conducted a detailed assessment of the centre’s waste-management operations, using both recycling data and operational analysis to identify areas for improvement. We presented our recommendations in two stages:
-
No- and low-cost options: actions that could be implemented quickly and affordably to improve waste management and move waste up the hierarchy.
-
Blue-sky thinking options: advanced options using the latest technologies, including on-site waste-treatment solutions and carbon-impact-based performance metrics, moving beyond mass-focused reporting.
Additionally, we offered guidance on procuring waste-management services, recommending contract structures that encourage ongoing improvement and sustainability. This included using site-produced compost for landscaping to create operational circularity.
The impact
With recommendations for well-defined specifications and clear evaluation criteria, our client confidently entered a new procurement process for waste-management services, supporting robust and sustainable decision-making. Our findings were shared across the client’s global network, encouraging the adoption of best practices and comparing waste-management approaches internationally.
Harnessing advances in digital tools
As part of our review, we explored digital tools to further enhance waste management. Recommendations included implementing smart bins, using apps to reward customers for reusable items, and leveraging data items to optimise staff time and reduce waste. These tools provided modern solutions for advancing sustainability while enhancing operational efficiency.