WIREDGOV

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in partnership with WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), has launched an online broadcast to give guidance on implementing Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP); a mandatory requirement in England from April 6^th.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) the construction industry generates over 100 million tonnes of waste each year of which approximately 20 million tonnes ends up in landfill. SWMP’s provide the framework for construction companies to identify waste minimisation, and management opportunities and to meet the Government’s targets for halving construction waste to landfill by 2012.

Michael Brown CIOB deputy chief executive said: “We wanted to give CIOB members, the industry, and the wider public, guidance on compliance with the new law; information about best practice and exemplars of SWMP’s in action. But we also felt that it was important to identify the challenges that need to be considered when you use an SWMP, and really show the financial and social benefits that can come as result from introducing a plan.”

Mervyn Jones, construction programme manager at WRAP commented: “Reducing waste has a positive environmental impact and provides an opportunity to make a difference to the bottom line. By improving waste minimisation and management, the industry will not only comply with the legislation, but also develop and adopt good and best practice which potentially reduces materials, labour and disposal costs.”

Throughout the broadcast, construction professionals can access a wealth of industry guidance such as the WRAP SWMP Template, good practice guidance and recycled content toolkit, all of which will help the industry improve its existing waste management processes.

You can view the online broadcast at www.ciob.org.uk/resources/onlinebroadcasts

Contributors to the SWMP online broadcast included:

DEFRA

Wates Construction

UK Green Building Council

John Lewis

North Bristol NHS

White Design

Davis Langdon

Taylor Woodrow

Skanska

NOTES TO EDITORS

About CIOB:-

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents on behalf of the public the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

The CIOB’s role is to:

· Promote the importance of the built environment.

· Lead the industry to create a sustainable future worldwide.

· Encourage leadership potential.

· Set the highest standards in quality, safety and qualification.

· Create an industry where excellence prospers.

About WRAP:-

WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme):

· WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.

· Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, 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 on www.wrap.org.uk

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB press and communications manager on 01344 630 766 - stownsend@ciob.org.uk.