Building a waste-free future: how design decisions shape what happens on site

Event overview

Most construction waste doesn’t start on site — it’s shaped much earlier through design decisions, project briefs and how teams work together.

This session brings together architects and builders to explore how waste can be designed out from the start. Through a leading adaptive reuse case study and real-world project insights, we’ll unpack the decisions that influence material outcomes — and where design teams have the greatest opportunity to act.

Whether you’re designing, delivering or commissioning projects, you’ll leave with practical ideas and a clearer understanding of how early choices shape what happens on site.

What you’ll hear

Adaptive reuse in practice

Case Study: University of Auckland’s B201 and AUT’s Tukutuku Buildings

Building and  Case Study: University of Auckland’s B201 and AUT’s Tukutuku Buildings

— Chris Scott, Jasmax

Exploring the decision to retain and adapt an existing building, and the trade-offs, constraints and opportunities that come with designing within what’s already there.

Designing out waste: an architect’s perspective

Joe Lyth, WEL Architecture

Real design decisions that reduce material waste — and what architects need from clients and project teams to make them work in practice.

Collaborative energy: architect + builder in practice

Paul Young (Twin Solutions) + Mike Hartley (Lloyd Hartley)

Bridging design and delivery. How better collaboration can improve buildability and reduce waste.

Interactive exercise: waste autopsy

A facilitated working session exploring where waste becomes inevitable in a typical project and where design decisions can change the outcome.

Who should attend

Architects, designers, developers, clients, engineers, sustainability leads and project managers.

Closing

Wrap-up and networking from 5.40pm.

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

Photo credit: David Straight