Quality, environmental and sustainability policy

This policy details the requirements for quality, environmental and sustainable standards and objectives of PEER Construction for the acceptable level of quality.

To ensure PEER Construction projects are delivered with the highest level of quality to the client, we have implemented this policy.

Purpose

This policy:

sets a standard for PEER Construction in terms of quality, environmental and sustainability standards.
ensures work carried out is in accordance with all legislative requirements including, WHS Act, 2012 (SA), WHS Regulations 2012 (SA), Codes of Practice, Plumbers, Gasfitters and Electricians Act 1995, Development Act 1993. Development Regulations 2008, The National Construction Code, and the Building Code of Australia and Environment Protection Act 1993.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees at PEER Construction.

Commitment

PEER Construction has a commitment to:

comply with client specifications and relevant statutory requirements.
establish and maintain objective and targets with the aim of eliminating inefficiency.
define roles and responsibilities of personnel.
build environmental and sustainable considerations into all aspects of our business.
comply with legal requirements.
make available all operating instructions and direction to ensure product consistency.
ensure purchased equipment and material meet required standards and do not compromise quality.
ensure providers of labour and contract services are appropriately qualified and competent.
monitor, inspect, measure and report the effectiveness of our quality goals and systems.

Quality assurance and sustainability statement

All employees within our organisation shall be committed to the effective and efficient implementation, management and improvement of quality. They are also responsible for identifying and preventing activities occurring that do not meet specified standards.
Products and services provided by our organisation will meet or exceed client needs and be in accordance with stated statutory and regulatory requirements.
The current Quality Management representative is responsible for ensuring the compilation, distribution, effective implementation, amendment and continued maintenance of the quality system manuals. All system outcomes generated within the quality management framework are to align with specified corporate objectives that meet stated quality, client and statutory requirements.
All quality system documentation is regularly reviewed to ensure that existing policies, procedures and practices are suitable, remain relevant and capable of meeting specified quality, client and statutory requirements.
We will assure quality through the provision of appropriate resources and provide employees with the necessary training to ensure compliance with stated quality system requirements.
Preferred suppliers are encouraged and assisted in the implementation of appropriated improvement programs that will ensure the integrity and continued preservation of the organisation’s quality management system.

Process

The process has the following components.

Environmental sustainability

To exercise environmental sustainability, we will:

provide a safe, amenable, accessible environment for all members of the workforce and others at our workplaces.
ensure our practices of economic sustainability are meeting community expectations.
protect and enhance remnant and constructed ecosystems on all work sites managed by PEER Construction.
maximise the use of renewable energy sources by identifying efficient and responsible energy management practices, including minimising carbon emissions.
encourage innovation and best practice sustainable design, construction and maintenance for the built environment.
monitor emerging environmental technologies, equipment purchases and work processes relevant to our activities.
maintain a strong awareness of our legislative obligations and regularly monitor our compliance at both office and project level.
purchase equipment that reduces energy consumption and is technologically advanced.
seek the use of environmentally sustainable recycled materials and reduce waste generation at our workplaces.
minimise the use of materials which deplete natural resources or create toxic pollution.
purchase WaterMark products which relate to product quality, aspects of health and safety, and warrant that the product can be legally installed.

Quality assurance

Clients and customers

Encourage clients to consider sustainable products and solutions as a part of their project choices by providing alternative, sustainable options for project products and processes.
Ensure our clients’ requirements are communicated to all relevant employees before initiating the project.
Deliver projects according to clients’ contract specifications.
Provide innovative solutions on complex and demanding projects.
Maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with clients.
Understand client’s current and future needs.
Complete projects on schedule and on budget.
Ensure that materials are approved, received, preserved, and installed as required.

Construction waste management

PEER Construction:

uses raw construction products that are identified as environmentally friendly or promoting sustainable production methods (including material selection, energy, and water efficient products).
accesses information on sources of sustainable building and construction supplies.

Reducing waste

Order only the amount you need for the job, especially perishable materials like sealants.
Make sure you order the right sizes and specifications of materials for the job.
Buy materials with less or no packaging where possible.
Make sure materials are delivered, stored, and handled carefully to avoid damage.
Plan ahead to minimise off-cuts.
Reduce, recycle and reuse.

Externally

Demolition waste: dispose of thoughtfully and aligned to the Environment Protection Act 1993.
Asbestos demolition waste: dispose of under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
Use a designate station on the site to wash down equipment and to collect and retain concrete washout waste in a bunded area.
Avoid waste by specifying exact requirements and minimise packaging and ask suppliers to take back packaging and unused materials, such as pallets and spare bricks.
Solid waste such as chemical, asbestos and e-waste are categorised as hazardous waste and are not suitable for collection through regular solid waste collection services.
Ensure appropriate storage and management of materials on site to minimise damage from weather or machinery, eliminating the need for the purchase of replacement materials and waste generation.

Suppliers

PEER Construction works with suppliers who provide environmentally beneficial products, and work toward meeting their own internal sustainability program that is aligned to ours.

Meet standards of work

The following quality checks should be completed:

any visible defects
all components are working and functioning properly
complies with minimum code standards, required legislation and Australian Standards
meets all manufacturers’ specifications
complies with workplace instructions
conforms to the customer’s contract specifications
site area and equipment returned to service in a safe manner and condition.

The responsible supervisor must ensure that all personnel are trained and competent in procedures.

Clean up work area, tools and equipment

Clean and pack up all tools, report any faulty or broken tools to your supervisor.
Clean up the work area and dispose of all the waste appropriately,
Reuse, recycle or dispose of materials safely.
Reusing materials where possible and repairing, refurbishing or recycling those materials where reuse is not an option.

Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
Codes of Practice
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Electricians Act 1995
Development Act 1993
Development Regulations 2008
The National Construction Code
Building Code of Australia
Environment Protection Act 1993

All PEER Construction policies

Version 1.0 – Last updated 6/2/2022