Firms make sure it doesn’t go to waste

Jan 22 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

SMALL builders from across the North-east have worked out how to divert almost 5,000 tonnes of construction waste a year from landfill, saving themselves around £150,000 annually.

Training from sustainability experts Envirowise demonstrated how using resources more efficiently could not only save them money but also improve their environmental performance.

The sessions took place during coffee or lunch breaks, with attendee certificates provided to recognise the commitment of participants.

The main aim of the training was to raise on-site awareness and develop practical activities to reduce waste and increase recycling.

Together, the 24 companies identified potential annual cost savings of more than £150,000 by examining waste streams including bricks, timber, inert rubble, plasterboard and plastic packaging.

“The North-east has around 5,110 construction businesses many of whom could benefit from this type of on-site training,” says Envirowise regional manager, Guy Bashford. “It is estimated that if all these companies undertook targeted waste-saving activity for the first time they could achieve cost savings of as much as £36m in a year.”

The Department for Enviroment, Food and Rural Affairs said 4.8m tonnes of construction waste is produced each year in the North-east.