Sep 19, 2008

WASTECAP Wisconsin's News!

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett speak about Milwaukee’s green building future.
The Third Annual R3 Awards will be held on October 9th at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Come see demonstrations of WasteCap’s newest tools for construction site recycling, WasteCapTRAC and WasteCapDIRECT. On October 9 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. RSVP today at
www.wastecapwi.org

Milwaukee Kicks Off New Recycling Campaign
The City of Milwaukee will unveil a brand-new campaign aimed at increasing recycling participation throughout the City. Speakers will include Mayor Tom Barrett, Environmental Services Superintendent Preston Cole, and community organizers. On September 30, Gordon Park, Milwaukee
 
Report finds increased use of fly ash in concrete okay
A new study just released by the RMC Research & Education Foundation finds that using more fly ash in the production of concrete still results in an acceptable performance. The study entitled, New Technology-Based Approach to Advance Higher Volume Fly Ash Concrete with Acceptable Performance, was conducted at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Research Laboratory. It received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy through its Combustion Byproducts Recycling Consortium, in addition to the Foundation.  Source: Construction and Demolition Recycling
 
Economic impacts to 2009 Recycling Efficiency Incentive Grants, Demonstration Grants, and Markets Directory
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined it will not be able to make Recycling Efficiency Incentive (REI) grant awards or Waste Reduction and Recycling Demonstration Grants for calendar year 2009.  In addition, the position which managed the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory has been eliminated.  Instead the funds will be used to pay down the department’s $13.2 million obligation to the state’s deficit reduction efforts.  As is the case with other state agencies, this action taken by the DNR will help state government get through the current economic downturn. Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
 
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Construction & Demolition Materials – a new tool from the Environmental Protection Agency
Construction and demolition (C&D) materials consist of the debris generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges. C&D materials often contain bulky, heavy materials, such as concrete, wood, metals, glass, and salvaged building components. Reducing and recycling C&D materials conserves landfill space, reduces the environmental impact of producing new materials, creates jobs, and can reduce overall building project expenses through avoided purchase/disposal costs. Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency
 
The LEED Creed, selling itself first, saving the planet later
The construction industry is embracing LEED, with thousands of buildings standing in line for honors like so many eager graduates-to-be awaiting diplomas. Building owners pay fees for LEED reviews, and most get a plaque in return. Those plaques pay off by blessing the buildings as green, meaning good places to work or live. But popularity and environmental progress make dubious partners. To read more, Source: The Daily Reporter