Across the region, 14.2 million tonnes of construction waste is generated annually (1), meaning there is great scope for reduction. And with new government legislation proposed for the sector, now is a good time for the region’s companies to take action.
A new Guide – available free from www.envirowise.gov.uk/swmpguide – details the benefits to local companies in implementing Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs). It contains practical guidance on getting started with tackling waste and can help smooth the way to construction sites using materials in a more sustainable, cost efficient way.
The Guide will be followed by an interactive toolkit and a series of regional workshops. The resource efficiency programme is also offering South East companies specialist training on SWMPs delivered at their own premises for between 10-20 staff responsible for waste.
Michael Savage, South East Acting Regional Manager for Envirowise says: “The current cost of waste to construction businesses locally is substantial, particularly as the true cost of waste can be up to 15 times more than the cost of disposal.
“The launch of this new Guide gives local construction businesses a starting point for getting to grips with tackling waste on-site, and enables them to do this in a systematic way, starting with tips on implementing a straightforward ten-point waste-busting action plan. And companies should remember that for each tonne of waste they cut, they are saving themselves money, as well as having a positive impact on the local environment.”
Envirowise is hoping the construction industry will use SWMPs as a way of managing and ultimately reducing the 109 million tonnes of waste it produces annually.
Around 13% of the materials delivered to UK construction sites are discarded unused. With firms currently paying out £24 per tonne in landfill tax, Envirowise estimates that the sector is currently squandering more than £100 million just through the disposal of unused materials. And, with this tax set to double by 2010, the financial impact on companies that fail to act will only increase.
Michael continued: “We are committed to supporting the South East’s companies in their implementation of SWMPs, particularly in light of its proposed legal enforcement.”
For more general advice regarding the sustainable use of construction resources, companies can visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/construction or call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794. Businesses can also register to receive free email alerts on existing and forthcoming environmental legislation from www.netregs.gov.uk.
(1) Defra - Estimated re-use, recycling and disposal of hard construction & demolition and excavation waste by region in 2005
ENDS
Issues on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley
Media Contacts:
Peter Stilwell – 0117 929 2311 or peter.stillwell@trimediahc.com
Louise Harris – 0117 929 2311 or louise.harris@trimediahc.com
Rod Dennis – 0117 929 2311 or rod.dennis@trimediahc.com
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK 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 Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) 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
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.