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CIOB Seeks Waste Reduction Across Construction Industry
Recent discussions across the construction industry at large, in respect of the high level of waste produced, have led to demands for tougher enforcement. By way of a response, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has now suggested a regulation in connection with projects involving more than 30 days or 500 person days of construction. The regulation suggests that a mandatory Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) is introduced, in an attempt to significantly cut the 109 million tonnes of waste produced within Construction, on an annual basis.
Alongside the implementation of SWMPs, the CIOB is urging the government to contemplate programmes that offer incentives for the reduction of waste levels, in addition to expanding the limits of regulatory checks in force at present.
Commenting on the situation, the CIOB's Deputy Chief Executive, Michael Brown, stated: "As an industry we can't just rely on construction companies with an ethical approach to the environment to take up the slack for those that show little concern for the use and misuse of our resources." He continued: "We need a change of behaviour that requires everyone to reduce waste. Without the appropriate regulation and teeth we fear that SWMPs will only be used by larger operators who have an interest in environmental issues."
"We would like to see a greater emphasis from government on the use of sustainable materials, equipment and techniques. All construction projects should be designed and built to be environmentally efficient with a measurable reduction, and recycling, of construction waste."
Commenting further on the introduction of the SWMPs, Mr Brown finally added: "If SWMPs are made mandatory they may result in some additional cost, but given a level playing field this should not affect the competitiveness of the company. There will be opportunities for cost savings in terms of recycling and reuse that would help offset any costs incurred."
The CIOB has recommended that responsibility for preparing and maintaining an SWMP should lie with the primary contractor, adding that this duty could be passed to another authority if appropriate. Primary contractors should also, it said, play a significant part in the design stage, and in the obtaining of materials.
Source - Construction International Newsdesk