LONDON: Environment Minister Dan Norris has called on the UK construction industry to embrace the financial and environmental opportunities that waste reduction can offer. Recent analyses suggest that if just 40% of projects adopted good practice nationally by 2012, a collective net saving of over £300 million could be achieved.
The call to action came as part of an event marking the first anniversary of WRAP’s (Waste & Resources Action Programme) Construction Commitments: Halving Waste to Landfill. Since its launch in October 2008, the voluntary agreement has attracted over 200 signatories who, combined, influence more than a quarter of the UK’s £100bn national construction spend each year.
Speaking at the event, Environment Secretary Dan Norris said: “The construction industry has been through one of its toughest ever years. Hundreds of millions of pounds can be saved by the industry, and significant environmental benefits delivered, through reducing and reusing construction waste. The industry is already taking action, and it needs to continue building on has already been achieved.”
As the focus for the agreement turns to maintaining momentum over the next 12 months, Marcus Gover, director responsible for construction at WRAP, issued a decisive call to action: “Signing up is just the first step; the industry now needs to realise the benefits of the commitment.”
