Re-circulating materials between construction sites

Initiatives and networks are required to support the re-use and re-circulation of materials between construction site projects – large and small.

Natural England/Doorstep Greens

The choice and sourcing of materials, particularly reclaimed materials, can have a significant impact on a construction project’s energy and waste footprint. The BRE’s Green guide to Specification provides ratings on the environmental impact of construction materials to guide decision makers. AggRegain is a free sustainable aggregates information service provided by WRAP. It is designed to assist anyone interested in producing, specifying, purchasing or supplying recycled or secondary aggregates.

At the regional and sub-regional scale the establishment of exchange initiatives can provide a useful forum for supporting the re-circulation of surplus materials and construction items.

The National Materials Exchange is an example of such an initiative. It is a free online service for businesses and other organisations that allows unwanted materials and other items to be passed on and sourced. The online forum allows users to place adverts and pictures for available or wanted items. This programme was first established in Cambridgeshire and grew through partnership and funding into an East of England region-wide initiative. The Yorkshire and Humber region have since followed suit, with aspirations for other regions to establish similar networks.

Another award winning resource is Builder Scrap, a co-operative trade website set up by builders for builders.

Priority: plan for sustainable waste management
Tags: waste, regions and subregions, cities and towns