Zero Waste Challenge Results

On October 9, representatives from 27 firms gathered at the Center for Architecture for the announcement of results from the AIANY Zero Waste Challenge. Firms were recognized in the following categories:

Highest Average Diversion Rate Achieved
90% RicciGreene
87% NRDC NYC

Highest Percent Increase in Diversion Rate from Beginning to End
56& HOK (12% to 68%)
44% WXY (42% to 86%)

Largest Total Waste Reduction
ARO
HOK
Murphy Burnham Buttrick

Most Innovative Strategy to Reduce Waste
Arup
W Architecture and Landscape Architecture
FXCollaborative

Thanks to all 27 firms for participating in this challenge. Below are the overall results for the competition, aggregating the data from all participants:

• Monthly waste production reduction: 6,383 lbs (10% reduction)
• Monthly refuse going to landfill/incineration reduction: 17,719 lbs (53% reduction)
• Monthly diverted waste (recycling, organics, returned samples, etc) increase: 11,336 lbs (38% increase)
• Total pounds of waste diverted during the challenge: 138,397 lbs or 69 tons
• Average Diversion rate achieved by all firms over the challenge: 68
• Average diversion rate on final assessment: 76

To view the presentation from the event with additional information and results, click here.

While the Zero Waste Challenge is over, there is much more that AIANY members can do to reduce waste. First of all, check out our Zero Waste Design Guidelines, developed in collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation. If you are interested in further examining your office’s waste, schedule a lunchtime learning session with guidelines author Clare Miflin. If you or your firm are interested in organizing programming or getting involved in policy issues related to zero waste, become active members of the AIANY Committee on the Environment (COTE)!