Free support launched to cut Scotland’s 4m tonnes of construction waste

Construction businesses in Scotland are being offered free waste prevention support from Resource Efficient Scotland’s advice and support programme.

Over 4.4 million tonnes of construction waste was produced in Scotland by nearly 50,000 construction enterprises in 2014, making the construction sector the country’s single largest waste producer.

Resource Efficient Scotland, a support programme delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) identify opportunities to reduce waste and save money through on-site support.

The programme says that becoming more resource efficient can not only save construction companies money, but also help them stand out when pitching for new business. Increasingly, it states, those looking to procure construction projects are also demanding higher levels of waste and resource management performance to meet planning conditions, building standards and environmental assessment criteria.

Support will be available for all phases of the construction process, including planning and design, and will be delivered through on-site support, employee training, online tools and workshops.

To begin with, a series of free workshops will be held across February and March in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. Additional resources, including model procurement wording and a site waste management plan template, will also be made available online.

The support for construction SMEs in Scotland will be delivered by environmental consultancy, Resource Futures, in partnership with engineering group, Jacobs, as part of the Resource Efficient Scotland programme.

Funds of up to £100,000 have also been made available to support the physical implementation of waste prevention measures in the construction and commercial and industrial sectors. This funding can be used for purposes including purchasing bins, balers and shredders, improved signage, staff training or monitoring equipment.

Lots to be done for a ‘crucial part of the Scottish economy’

Zero Waste Scotland’s Head of Resource Efficiency, Marissa Lippiatt, said: “Construction is a crucial part of the Scottish economy, but we must acknowledge that it is by far the largest contributor to landfill tonnages too. Recycling performance has improved in the sector over the years but there is lots more work still to be done in preventing the waste from ever being created in the first place.

“For those getting involved in the programme, it is a great way to show your commitment to change, and we hope to share some positive examples of how Scottish businesses are leading the way in this sector over the coming months.”

More information about the support service can be found on the Resource Efficient Scotland website.