Written by Ryan Hughes, Sustainability Manager, Structure Tone
Construction sites are known for their excessive water usage and generation of liquid waste, both of which have a negative impact on the environment. Despite the importance of efficient water management, it is often overshadowed by the focus on carbon emissions reduction in construction. This is partly due to the fact that water-related issues tend to be more localized and may not have as immediate a global impact as climate change. Additionally, there may be a lack of awareness and understanding of the importance of efficient water management in the construction industry.
In New York, Structure Tone is introducing an on-site innovative solution called WASHBOX to change the game by reducing temporary water use during construction and eliminating liquid waste from entering the sewer system. Building off our pledge to jobsite sustainability under the Contractor’s Commitment, Structure Tone is driving awareness and changing behavior to reduce the water consumption on four active projects using WASHBOX.
WASHBOX is a self-contained, mobile unit that captures and filters water used by wet trades during construction when washing their hand tools throughout the day. It is ideal for our painters, tapers, plasterers, and tile workers, but it can be used by any contractor who relies on water to clean their tools. WASHBOX has a reusable water storage tank, replacing the traditional 55-gallon plastic drum and eliminating the need for a temporary water connection. This innovative solution also prevents potential clogged plumbing lines and reduces unnecessary headaches to replace finished slop sinks on our projects. In addition to saving up to 2,000 gallons of water per month, WASHBOX also eliminates the need for liquid waste disposal, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. The filtered greywater can be reused multiple times, and any solid waste is collected in a separate filter bag for easy disposal.
It’s important not to overlook the critical role that efficient water management plays in environmental sustainability in construction and reducing temporary water use, and eliminating liquid waste cannot be overstated. Water is a precious resource, and the construction industry is one of the largest consumers of water globally. Also, if not managed efficiently, liquid waste can have a significant impact on the environment. When it is not properly disposed of, it can contaminate groundwater and harm local ecosystems.
WASHBOX is gaining popularity around the industry, and its benefits are being recognized by industry professionals and environmentally conscious clients. Not only does it promote sustainable practices, but it also helps construction companies save time and money using a more practical system. We are committed to sustainability, and we know our clients are too—solutions like WASHBOX help us live up to that commitment, protect our environment, and work toward a more sustainable future.