Building a waste-free future: delivering zero waste on site

Event overview

Reducing construction waste isn’t just about good intentions — it’s about what actually happens on site.

This session brings together builders, manufacturers and project teams to explore the practical realities of delivering lower-waste projects. From site coordination and material handling to emerging take-back systems and deconstruction, we’ll unpack what’s working, what’s challenging, and what’s changing across the sector.

You’ll hear real-world insights from projects and practitioners at the forefront of waste reduction. Walk away with practical ideas you can apply to your next build.

What you’ll hear

Building out waste on The Living Pā

Ben Cannon, LT McGuinness
A real-world case study of delivering ambitious waste outcomes on a complex project, including trade coordination, site logistics, and lessons learned.

From pilot to practice: GIB take-back on site

Anne Pezaro, Winstone Wallboards (GIB®)
What plasterboard recovery will look like in practice — and what builders and subcontractors need to do differently as take-back systems roll out.

Demolition to deconstruction: what happens to materials in reality

Alex Hawthorne, Levela Deconstruction
A practical look at what materials are recoverable, what limits reuse, and how design and construction decisions affect material value at end of life.

Waste minimisation plans that actually work

Terri-Ann Berry and Joanne Low, EIC and Jean-luc Ellis, WasteX
Moving beyond compliance to practical site tools — what makes a plan usable, and what teams can implement immediately.

Who should attend

Builders, contractors, project managers, developers, architects, suppliers and councils.

Closing

Wrap-up and networking from 5.35pm.

CPD points

Eligible for 30 NZRAB and 3 ADNZ CPD points

In partnership with:

Auckland Council

NZIA Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA)

Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ)

New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC)

NZ Certified Builders (NZCB)

Master Builders New Zealand

WasteMINZ