Construction companies in Wales can now take advantage of a new support package from Envirowise to help them tackle site waste – and reap the financial rewards.
Across Wales, 6.01 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste is generated annually1, meaning there is great scope for reduction. And with new government legislation proposing the introduction of compulsory Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs), now is a good time to take action.
A new guide – available free from www.envirowise.gov.uk/swmpguide – details the benefits of implementing Site Waste Management Plans. It contains practical guidance on getting started and can help smooth the way to using construction materials in a more sustainable and cost-efficient way.
Ed Gmitrowicz, Envirowise Programme Area Manager for Wales, said: “Around 13 per cent of the materials delivered to Welsh construction sites are currently discarded unused 2. With firms paying out around £24 per tonne in landfill tax, the sector is squandering substantial amounts of money on the disposal of these materials. And, with this tax set to double by 2010, the financial impact on companies that fail to act will only increase.
“The launch of this new guide gives construction firms a starting point for getting to grips with tackling site waste and enables them do so in a systematic way, with tips on implementing a straightforward ten-point waste-busting action plan. And companies should remember that by cutting waste they are also saving money, as well as having a positive impact on the local environment.”
The guide will be followed by an interactive toolkit and a series of regional workshops, taking place at the Novotel in Cardiff, on 19 September 2007, the Metropole Hotel in Llandindod Wells on 25 September and CAST in Bangor on 26 September. Envirowise’s resource efficiency programme is also offering Welsh companies specialist training on SWMPs delivered at their own premises for between 10-20 staff responsible for waste.
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.
- Ends -
(1) Sourced from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/wales/816243/1220048/1712125).
(2) Sourced from the Office of National Statistics and the DTI (www.dti.gov.uk.construction/sustain/fb.pdf).
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley. For further press information please contact Abi Dare on 02920 344717 or email abi.dare@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 Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website of valuable and relevant information (www.envirowise.gov.uk/wales)
- 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.
Ynglþn ag Envirowise:
Defnyddio adnoddau cynaliadwy yng nghalon arferion businesi Cymru.
Ers 1994 mae Envirowise wedi helpu busnesi Cymru i arbed dros £1bn trwy galluogi iddyn nhw lleihau eu ‘argraff troed’ amgylcheddol.
Mae Envirowise yn cynnig busnesi o bob maint ac o bob diwydiant cyngor di-dâl, annibynnol ac ymarferol sydd wedi’i gynllunio i gwella eu prosesau, elw a’u awydd i gystadlu. Gwasanaethau yn cynnwys:
- Y llinell gymorth amgylchiad ac Egni ar 0800 585794.
- Y wefan sy’n llawn gwybodaeth perthnasol – www.envirowise.gov.uk/wales.
- Ymweliadau gan tîm genedlaethol o arbenigwyr.
- Dros 200 digwyddiadau pob blwyddyn, o gweithdai dylunio cynnyrch i arddangosfeydd slweddol