Product category:
Building Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
News Release from: Envirowise | Subject: SWMP
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 August 2006
Countdown to SWMP prompts early action
on waste
Construction firms are being urged to take early action on waste before the planned enforcement of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) next year.
Construction firms are being urged to take early action on waste before the planned enforcement of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) next year Originally developed as a DTI Voluntary Code of Practice, SWMPs provide a structure for systematic waste management at all stages of a project's delivery
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 24 Nov 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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These plans are due to become a legal requirement for all construction projects over £200,000 in late 2007.
With 13 million tonnes of completely unused building materials being discarded as waste every year, it is set to have a major impact on the industry.
For this reason, Envirowise is encouraging companies to seek advice on how to start reducing waste and reaping the cost benefits now.
Mike Payne, Construction Manager at Envirowise, says: "While the use of SWMPs is currently voluntary, local authorities are increasingly requiring evidence of a commitment to waste management when considering planning applications.
In addition, the proposed Code for Sustainable Homes could require developers to prepare a SWMP as a minimum requirement for waste.
"Time invested in addressing site waste now could help reduce the potential cost and impact of compliance.
It could also contribute to stronger relationships with both customers and suppliers, who have their own environmental objectives to consider.
Envirowise can provide specialist advice on SWMPs and companies may even be eligible for a free on-site resource efficiency review." The plans focus largely on on-site operations and primarily identify:.
* An individual responsible for resource management.
* The types of waste that will be generated.
* Resource management options for these wastes.
* The use of appropriate and licensed waste management contractors.
* A plan for monitoring and reporting on resource use and the quantity of waste.
"As SWMPs take the form of a written document, it gives a company evidence of compliance which can be used to demonstrate the fulfilment of contractual obligations, as well as the opportunity to highlight good practice initiatives," says Mike Payne.
"The SWMP framework can also be extended to encompass associated processes such as materials procurement and design, and as a result companies can make further resource efficiency savings.".
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