Chartered Institute of Building - 109 million reasons to manage
construction waste
Each year the construction industry generates 109
million tonnes of waste, according to the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
In response to a recent consultation on compulsory Site
Waste Management Plans (SWMP), the Chartered Institute
of Building (CIOB) has called for all construction
projects, involving more than 30 days or 500 person days
of construction, to plan and implement a SWMP. This
would create a level playing field within the industry,
encourage more efficient use of materials and reduce
waste crime. The proposed threshold also provides
consistency with notified projects under the new
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations thereby
minimising additional red tape
The CIOB has also called for the government to consider
incentive based schemes that encourage the industry to
reduce waste; along with inspection and enforcement tied
in with existing regulatory checks.
Michael Brown CIOB deputy chief executive commented, “As
an industry we can’t just rely on construction companies
with an ethical approach to the environment to take up
the slack for those that show little concern for the use
and misuse of our resources. We need a change of
behaviour that requires everyone to reduce waste.
Without the appropriate regulation and teeth we fear
that SWMPs will only be used by larger operators who
have an interest in environmental issues.
“We would like to see a greater emphasis from government
on the use of sustainable materials, equipment and
techniques. All construction projects should be designed
and built to be environmentally efficient with a
measurable reduction, and recycling, of construction
waste.
“If SWMPs are made mandatory they may result in some
additional cost, but given a level playing field this
should not affect the competitiveness of the company.
There will be opportunities for cost savings in terms of
recycling and reuse that would help offset any costs
incurred.”
The CIOB has submitted that principal contractors should
be responsible for preparing and implementing a SWMP;
recognising that they can delegate this responsibility
if appropriate. Principal contractors must also be
involved early in the design phase and in the
procurement of materials.
Email:
stownsend@ciob.org.uk
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
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