Building tradesmen throughout Scotland can find out how to make valuable savings through resource efficiency and reducing waste, thanks to a new range of free fact sheets available from sustainability experts Envirowise.
With 14,500-plus construction companies in Scotland, the construction industry is one of the largest sources of waste in the country generating more than 10.60 million tonnes* every year.
There are seven factsheets each providing specific, tailored information for trade industries including labourers, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, decorators, plasterers and carpenters. The factsheets can be downloaded for free from the Envirowise construction pages.
Leading by example, Scottish house builder Mactaggart and Mickel has built up a solid reputation for environmental best practice. With a long-term environmental programme already in place, the company has won a number of awards for its efforts to date.
Liz Farrell, Land Manager at Mactaggart and Mickel said:
"Through partnerships with others such as Envirowise, we have developed a successful Waste Management Project and used it to measure recycling and waste management on site. We have also embarked on an exercise designed to measure our new house types against the Code for Sustainable Homes, which is an important tool in the Government's plan to minimise the environmental damage caused by new developments.
"Since implementing the programme, our 'greener' practices are contributing to significant financial benefits for both the company and our customers."
Rupert Carrick, Envirowise construction specialist in Scotland, said: "As the Government considers more steps toward a sustainable Scotland, companies in the construction industry can stay one step ahead by taking action to reduce their environmental impact.
"The new factsheets have been designed to help local small builders and tradesmen gain a better understanding of the simple and effective ways that can save money and help the environment.
"Guidance includes useful recommendations and practical measures that can be adopted on a daily basis including advice on waste management, efficient skip packing and ways to re-use materials effectively."
In addition to the practical advice, the new factsheets also highlight legislation that will impact on sole traders, along with details of organisations that can offer more help and advice.
To download the fact sheets free of charge, visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/construction or call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794, to order hard copies. For further advice on improving resource efficiency visit the Envirowise Scotland website.
For more information, please contact:
Laura McKenzie or Samantha Keith at Trimedia on 0131 226 2363 or email laura.mckenzie@trimediauk.com / samantha.keith@trimediuk.com.
Notes to editors
* SEPA Waste Data Digest 7 – 2005/2006
Total Waste Arisings
During 2005/2006, an estimated 10.60 million tonnes of Construction and demolition waste generated in Scotland.
About Envirowise:
Envirowise is a Scottish Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of Scottish business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1Bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794.
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland) of valuable and relevant information.
- On-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors.
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions.