Construction firms across the North East are being urged to take early action on waste before the planned enforcement of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) next year.
SWMPs currently form part of the DTI's Voluntary Code of Practice, but from late 2007 they are scheduled to become a legal requirement for construction projects over £200,000 in value. For this reason, Envirowise is encouraging companies to seek advice on how to start reducing waste and reaping the cost benefits now.
And with the region's 19,000 construction businesses throwing away as much as 20 per cent of their building materials completely unused every year, there is a clear motivation for companies to address the matter of construction waste*.
Guy Bashford, Envirowise Regional Manager for the North East, said: "While the use of SWMPs is currently voluntary, local authorities are increasingly requiring evidence of a commitment to waste management when considering planning applications.
"By investing time in addressing site waste now, local construction businesses could help reduce the potential cost and impact of compliance. And it could also contribute to stronger relationships with both customers and suppliers, who have their own environmental objectives to consider.
"Envirowise can provide specialist advice on SWMPs and companies may even be eligible for a free on-site resource efficiency review."
SWMPs take the form of a written document, which gives a company evidence of compliance which can be used to demonstrate the fulfilment of contractual obligations – as well as the opportunity to highlight good practice initiatives.
Construction companies interested in addressing their resource efficiency, including the implementation of SWMPs, can call the confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794 or visit Envirowise's construction pages.
*Figures sourced from the Office of National Statistics and the DTI.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Rod Dennis or Lucy Rickett at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.