WRAP Sets Standard For Measuring Performance Towards Waste Neutrality In Construction
22 June 2007
Following industry consultation, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has launched its proposed ‘Net Waste Method’ which it hopes will provide a practical means by which construction professionals can develop and measure a project’s performance in achieving waste neutrality.
Setting requirements to reduce Net Waste as part of the development specification provides a clear opportunity for construction clients across the public and private sectors to lead by example. By utilising WRAP’s ‘Net Waste Method’ as a transparent performance measurement tool, clients will be demonstrating CSR and sustainability credentials and encouraging contractors to deliver real results in terms of reducing waste and increasing recycled content.
Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP, explains:
“As a result of its appearance in public policy documents such as Defra’s Waste Strategy, the goal of ‘waste neutrality’ is gaining increasing recognition in the construction industry. This has generated a growing need for a clear definition and an industry standard. The Net Waste Method aims to provide this standard, and allow clients and contractors to demonstrate a committed approach to sustainability. It presents a real opportunity to lead by example.”
The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out. The focus on value helps contractors identify priorities for action and offers industry an opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits through waste reduction and improved site waste management. This approach will also enable clients to assess the business case for becoming waste neutral.
Don Ward, Chief Executive at Constructing Excellence, said:
“Constructing Excellence supports WRAP’s Net Waste Method. Key to delivering performance improvement in construction is effective, practical measurement. We hope that construction clients look carefully at this real opportunity for improving profitability and reducing impact on the environment.”
The Net Waste Method is practical and can be adopted into a project’s reporting processes in areas such as Site Waste Management Plans. It will provide a new way for clients to work alongside industry to encourage and improve upon sustainable performance.
To find out more about exemplar projects and measurement of Net Waste, visit www.wrap.org.uk/construction or call the helpline on 0808 100 2040.
Setting requirements to reduce Net Waste as part of the development specification provides a clear opportunity for construction clients across the public and private sectors to lead by example. By utilising WRAP’s ‘Net Waste Method’ as a transparent performance measurement tool, clients will be demonstrating CSR and sustainability credentials and encouraging contractors to deliver real results in terms of reducing waste and increasing recycled content.
Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP, explains:
“As a result of its appearance in public policy documents such as Defra’s Waste Strategy, the goal of ‘waste neutrality’ is gaining increasing recognition in the construction industry. This has generated a growing need for a clear definition and an industry standard. The Net Waste Method aims to provide this standard, and allow clients and contractors to demonstrate a committed approach to sustainability. It presents a real opportunity to lead by example.”
The Net Waste Method will measure progress towards waste neutrality on a construction project by considering both the value of reused and recycled materials going into the works, and the value of waste materials coming out. The focus on value helps contractors identify priorities for action and offers industry an opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits through waste reduction and improved site waste management. This approach will also enable clients to assess the business case for becoming waste neutral.
Don Ward, Chief Executive at Constructing Excellence, said:
“Constructing Excellence supports WRAP’s Net Waste Method. Key to delivering performance improvement in construction is effective, practical measurement. We hope that construction clients look carefully at this real opportunity for improving profitability and reducing impact on the environment.”
The Net Waste Method is practical and can be adopted into a project’s reporting processes in areas such as Site Waste Management Plans. It will provide a new way for clients to work alongside industry to encourage and improve upon sustainable performance.
To find out more about exemplar projects and measurement of Net Waste, visit www.wrap.org.uk/construction or call the helpline on 0808 100 2040.
Editor's notes:
- WRAP defines waste neutrality as : - where the value of construction materials wasted is equal to the value of additional reused and recycled content employed on a project; and - a process which can be achieved with no net increase in environmental impact.
- WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP’s programmes can be found at www.wrap.org.uk
Rebecca Whiter
Camargue PR
Tel: 01242 577277
rwhiter@camarguepr.com
Ceri Edwards
Camargue PR
Tel: 01242 577277
cedwards@camarguepr.com
Press Office
Senior Press Officer
WRAP
Tel: 01295 819695
press.office@wrap.org.uk
