The BCA Green Mark Certification Scheme sets benchmarks for buildings to demonstrate their environmental responsibility and resource efficiency across their design, construction, and operations. While not explicitly mandatory, conducting a waste audit is a recommended best practice and part of the assessment criteria under the Green Mark’s RE2: Manage (RE2.2 Circularity) criteria. In this article, we explore some of the benefits and costs associated with the organisation of a waste audit in relation to the BCA Green Mark.
What is a waste audit?
A waste audit is a process that aims to quantify and qualify the different waste streams generated by a facility in order to identify waste management practice improvements. The scope of work of a waste audit can include the entire facility or target a specific area or waste stream. Waste management practice improvements can consist of cost-saving opportunities, waste reduction, recycling, and reuse opportunities.
What is the BCA Green Mark?
The Green Mark certification scheme, launched in 2005 by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), is a green building rating system designed to evaluate a building’s environmental impact and performance.[1] This scheme is supported by the BCA Green Mark 2021 (GM: 2021) certification standards and technical guides tailored for the tropical climate. Green Mark 2021 applies to new and existing buildings, including commercial buildings, industrial buildings, institutional buildings, and residential buildings.
This scheme is structured into sections (standards), which are:
- Energy Efficiency
- Sustainability sections
- Whole Life Carbon
- Resilience
- Intelligence
- Health & Wellbeing
- Maintainability
What are BCA Green Mark levels?
BCA Green Mark levels include Certified, Gold, GoldPLUS, and Platinum, based on qualifying criteria and points earned.
Energy Efficiency criteria are considered an essential prerequisite. Regarding the sustainability sections, each section is worth a maximum of 15 points.
How does the BCA Green Mark relate to waste management?
Resilience[2] is one of the sustainability sections, and is categorised into RE1 Protect, RE2 Manage, RE3 Restore, and Resilience Innovation. This section assesses how buildings address climate change and promotes the use of natural solutions and more effective resource recycling. Buildings can earn up to 2 points related to waste management activities under this section.
Key waste-related criteria include [2]:
- Under RE1 Protect, sub-section RE1.1b Resources
- Asset Sustainable Policy and Action Plan shall include c) Waste Management Policy and 3R Plan
- Under RE2 Manage, sub-section RE2.2 Circularity, the facility must provide evidence that they are tackling the 3 priority waste streams and adopting a circular economic approach to close resource loops
- Provision of dedicated recycling facilities and receptacles at convenient and accessible locations for E-waste (in collaboration with the Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) Operator), and Packaging waste (including used beverage containers)
- Food waste systems for proper segregation (as detailed within the food waste segregation requirements under the Resource Sustainability Act), pre-treatment (such as grinding), and on-site treatment, or direct conveyance for off-site treatment.
- Waste audits and engagement
- Annual waste audits to identify areas of wastage, and uncover opportunities to reduce, reuse, or recycle waste materials
- Provide waste management/3R training/education for staff/tenants, and cleaners at least twice a year.
What are benefits of leading waste audits?
Beyond the additional points associated with it, buildings that conduct annual waste audits have a better understanding of their waste profile, which allows them to identify inefficiencies and discover opportunities for improvement.
How much does a waste audit cost in Singapore?
The cost of a professional waste audit can vary widely. As a rule of thumb, a waste audit can range anywhere from $5k to $25k+, depending on several factors such as:
- Building size & complexity
- Type of waste generated
- Number of waste streams
- Sample size of waste streams
- Level of detail required
- Number of days of garbage inspection
Feel free to contact us if you would like to receive a quotation, https://zerowastecity.com/contact/.
Recommendations for conducting annual waste audit in relation to the BCA Green Mark certification
If a waste audit has not been done before, it is recommended to conduct a more comprehensive and detailed audit for the first time. This will help trace all waste streams back to their points of generation, assess whether the waste is being properly disposed of or recycled, and identify opportunities to improve the facility’s waste management practices, such as reducing waste, lowering contamination levels, and increasing recycling rates.
At that point, it will be important for the building to implement proper waste management monitoring practices to track the quantities, types, and end-of-life of the different waste streams.
In subsequent years, a simpler (and cheaper) waste audit, based on a review of historical waste data and a walkthrough to identify new observable opportunities and to estimate contamination rates from visual inspection, would be sufficient to satisfy the BCA Green Mark requirement.
Is it always worth it to conduct a waste audit?
A waste audit can represent a significant cost. Since a waste audit contributes only a small part to the overall score of the BCA Green Mark, if ticking the box of the certification is the primary objective, then conducting a waste audit is probably not a viable option.
However, if organising this waste audit is a stepping stone towards broader improvements, then a waste audit is (almost) always worth it. Note that the scope of a waste audit must be appropriately tailored to the specific needs of the building and focused on delivering meaningful operational improvements.
A well-executed audit can uncover inefficiencies in waste handling, increase recycling rates, reduce disposal costs, and improve overall operational efficiency. These improvements can lead to long-term cost savings or even revenue generation.
Furthermore, demonstrating a serious commitment to the environment can improve the building management’s reputation with tenants, investors, and other stakeholders.
If you’d like us to know more about how we can help address waste-related criteria of the BCA Green Mark, feel free to contact us https://zerowastecity.com/contact/