GLY Construction continues to demonstrate environmental message through example

2005 Archived News

GLY Construction is once again demonstrating its commitment to jobsite waste-reduction and recycling strategies.

A member of King County's Construction Works program, GLY Construction has minimized disposal costs and used many recycled-content materials at its Evergreen Plaza building site in Kirkland.

In the process of designing and planning the 100,000 square foot, five-story medical building, GLY Construction is using a variety of innovative waste-reduction strategies. For example, instead of hauling excess soil off-site, they protected the existing native soil with plastic sheeting and then backfilled with 11,000 of the 13,000 cubic yards they originally removed. This both reduced the need for soil disposal and helped keep high quality soil on site, some of which can be used for future landscape planting.

GLY uses high-grade reusable concrete forms that reduce the overall amount of formwork materials needed. The company is also using recycled-content building material such as wallboard, concrete, carpet, and ceiling tiles.

"GLY Construction is leading the industry in promoting recycling in the construction arena. Through aggressive recycling and waste reduction initiatives at this construction site and others, GLY is actively taking part in reducing the waste of valuable resources," said Jeff Gaisford, Recycling and Environmental Services Manager for King County's Solid Waste Division.

The company also promotes sustainable building practices internally by providing a "sustainable construction manual" for employees. The manual includes resources for recycling and waste management planning, and three employees are now LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals.

Constructions Works helps builders realize the economic and environmental benefits of recycling and using recycled-content materials. Builders who recycle and reduce jobsite waste have reported dramatic changes.

To meet program requirements, participating member jobsite activities must include:

• Recycle at least 60 percent of its construction debris
• Implement at least six waste-reduction strategies
• Use six or more recycled-content building materials
• Conduct at least three public education activities for employees, customers or the community that promote waste reduction, recycling and the use of recycled-content materials.
  

Companies who become Construction Works members receive a range of benefits that include: public recognition; customized technical assistance to set up or increase jobsite recycling and waste reduction programs; hardhat decals for their crews; and, a jobsite banner.

For more information about Construction Works or an online application, go to Construction Works Web site at http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/construction-recycling/constructionworks.asp. You can also contact the appropriate program coordinator for more details. For jobsites in greater King County, contact Kinley Deller at 206-296-4434 or send an e-mail to kinley.deller@kingcounty.gov. For jobsites located in Seattle, contact Karen Price at 206-389-7281 or send an e-mail to karenp@resourceventure.org.