Nov 3 2006
WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) has called for the Thames Gateway development to be a global showcase for best practice in how materials are efficiently used in construction.
By providing advice and support to construction clients and the supply chain, WRAP can help the industry to reduce its environmental impact and potentially improve operational and commercial performance, specifically in the management and minimisation of construction waste and the use of recycled products and materials.
“The scale of the Thames Gateway development presents a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate that, as an industry, real progress is being made in a key area of sustainability,” said Dr Mike Watson, WRAP’s Head of Construction.
At more than 400 million tonnes per year, the construction sector is the highest consumer of materials in the UK and represents one of its biggest opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of future development and urban regeneration.
“With construction starting on facilities for the 2012 Olympics, and the regeneration of urban areas along the 40 miles of the Thames Gateway underway, the management of material resources and waste in construction must be effective if we are serious about delivering sustainability,” continued Dr Watson. “If every regeneration project in the Thames Gateway adopted best practice in materials efficiency, it would greatly reduce the environmental impact. In addition, there are compelling operational and commercial reasons to ensure you, as a client or contractor, are delivering best practice in materials efficiency.”
WRAP is calling for those agencies that set specifications for development within the Thames Gateway to ensure they are aware of the best practice strategies, tactics, tools and guidance available to reduce waste going to landfill and encourage the use of recycled materials.