Reno Contracting announced that it has recycled more than 60,000 tons of waste from construction projects since the beginning of 2009, accounting for an average 72 percent of construction debris diverted from landfills.
To achieve the recycling levels, Reno Contracting, a general contractor operating in Southern California, launched a new business group, Reno ESP (Efficient Sustainable Practices), to help commercial building owners enhance the energy and environmental efficiencies of new and existing buildings and structures, while driving down operating costs.
In a release announcing its success, Reno notes that energy efficiency is not only part of the company’s services to clients, it is ingrained in the company's standard operations. Last year, Reno notes, its jobsite trailer was the first and only structure of its kind to achieve LEED Certification for its use of recycled materials and energy efficiency systems.
More than half the projects accounting for the more than 60,000 tons of recycled waste have met, or are in the process of achieving, the requirements of LEED certification.
Material typically recycled by Reno includes metals, cardboard, concrete, asphalt, wood and landscaping debris. To achieve LEED certification, items such as wood, metal and drywall are sorted onsite separately from commingled trash.
"When it comes to conservation and energy efficiency, we lead by example," says Walt Fegley, president, Reno Contracting. "Our record of recycling and use of recycled materials is intentional and significant, both in terms of cost savings and impact on the environment. Efficient sustainable practices are central to our vision."