The construction and civil engineering sector generates large amounts of waste, and a significant share still ends up in landfill. In some cases, this waste consists of fully usable or even brand-new materials. This represents a major waste of resources and contributes to unnecessary climate impact. At the same time, many construction actors lack practical support on how the goal of zero landfill can be implemented in day-to-day construction projects.

In the Zero Landfill project, we address this challenge by focusing on how construction actors can practically reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill while increasing resource efficiency in the construction process.

We carry out the project as an iterative collaboration between research, construction actors and communication. Together, we develop an initial version of a methodology and guidance for zero landfill, based on research, previous experience and data from pilot projects. We test the methodology in real construction projects, where contractors and other actors apply it in practice.

Throughout the project, we collect experiences, feedback and data, which we analyse and use to refine and further develop methods, working practices and support materials. In this way, we ensure that the results are relevant and usable in everyday construction project work.

The main outcome of the project is a tested and practically applicable guidance for zero landfill, supported by instructions, training and support materials. The guidance is primarily aimed at developers, building owners and construction contractors and can be used in both pilot projects and regular construction projects. Through the guidance, construction actors receive concrete support to reduce landfill waste, increase resource efficiency, and strengthen recycling and reuse. The results can also be used by public actors and procuring organisations as a basis for procurement, governance and follow-up of targets related to zero landfill and circular construction.