The Great British Spring Clean is an event organised by Keep Britain Tidy which calls on #LitterHeroes across the country to help improve their local environment. The aim is to get as many people as possible to collect and safely dispose of litter found on streets, parks and beaches, recycling as much of it as possible. You can take part…

On the London School of Economics CBR Mace project, we have been trying to reduce our use of plastics on site and in the welfare facilities. This is part of a wider Mace initiative and clear environmental benefits. We have introduced beeswax sandwich wraps which are made predominantly from old shirts and are 100% washable and reusable. These have been…

Day-to-day, we all have an influence on the environment we live in. Our ‘Environmental Fact Wheel’ offers interesting facts about the little things we do day-to-day which can have an effect on the environment. We have divided the facts into five main target areas: Resources, Water, Waste, Carbon and People. Examples include: Recycling only one aluminium can saves enough energy…

Galliford Try has introduced the use of weatherproof paper for site specific exterior notices such as site zoning information, safety campaign displays and PPE reminder notices. The paper is water, oil, fade and tear resistant leaving the site signage looking much more professional for longer. This also reduces the amount of laminating and plastic waste that the site is producing….

The construction industry is estimated to be responsible for around 40% of the UK’s waste. We have been working with our subcontractors to tackle this issue and minimise unnecessary waste. SQP is the first site to use reusable, collapsible boxes for our M&E. These were specially developed for use at SQP and was something the contractor developed as part of…

Laing O’Rourke has been using Yuley’s Overshoes.  Yuley’s Overshoes are a reusable, rigid, hard overshoe that offer superior protection versus the more common, thin plastic single-use overshoes traditionally used on sites. In addition to environmental benefit of being reusable until they become damaged, Yuley’s are also completely recyclable. Yuley’s are a hands-free system, meaning that people are not transferring any…

The site team, at the Manchester Metropolitan Arts and Humanities project team engaged with the company’s plastic reduction campaign and all committed to a plastic pledge. As a result, several initiatives were introduced on the project including: Every operative at induction is provided with a project branded plastic bottle. The project has switched from purchasing milk in plastic containers to organic milk…

To coincide with World Environment Day 2018 we decided to focus on single-use plastics used across our projects and offices. World Environment Day is the most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness of global environmental issues. The theme this year was around making everyday changes to reduce the burden of plastic pollution. All of our offices were asked to support…

A sub-contractor on our site has provided a bin for recycling protective glasses that have been damaged. This is sent to a specialist recycling company to separate the plastic and metal elements. This is available for all contractors on site and has been placed on the green route.

As a result of a company re-branding exercise, Castleoak had several dozen insulated, hi-vis jackets surplus to requirements. Instead of sending to landfill, we decide to seek a reuse opportunity for them. Working with Keep Wales Tidy we came up with the idea to re-purpose into hi-vis dog jackets. They are being sold online to raise funds for Keep Wales…

In line with Multiplex’s policy to protect the environment and the UK’s target to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042, Multiplex’s 48 Carey Street team has taken action to ban single-use plastic from canteen and offices. The project reached that milestone on the 5th June, celebrating World Environment Day 2018 in accordance with this year’s theme…

Further to recent emphasis in the media on reducing plastic waste, we have decided to play our part by becoming one of the UK’s first reduced plastic construction sites. One of the initiatives as part of this campaign is around reducing the number of single use plastic bottles used by our workforce and the local community. To achieve this, we…

At Greenwich, we are planning how we can get to zero plastics on site. Plastic waste is an epidemic issue across the world and we want to ensure our site is having as minimal impact as possible. Immediate implementation; Reusable bottles issued to all staff (these are also tetherable so not a safety risk) Integrating closed loop recycling scheme into…

Recycle Week aims to encourage people to recycle more, by demonstrating the benefits of recycling items. This year, people have been motivated to care about plastics in a way they never have before. Therefore Recycle Week will be focused on plastics under the theme of ‘Recycling. We do. Because it matters’ in 2018. This is a great opportunity to change people’s…

On our site we have decided to do something about the amount of plastic bottles being used on site. We have registered with Refill London and promoted the downloadable app and then received a pack in the post and a refill station will be fitted outside site. They also send us stickers and information to put up to tell people…

Following a recent ‘See It Say It’ suggestion from a site operative, it took just a single conversation between Knight Build directors to decide to replace all existing Styrofoam cups and plastic cups on all sites and at our head office. At the drop of a hat, we have been able to stop over 200,000 Styrofoam and plastic cups a…

Did you know that by 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight? As an environmentally savvy company, we pride ourselves on being green and innovative in the reduction of the carbon footprint. At Clearly Renovations, we have decided to follow the national scheme on abolishing single-use plastic bottles in our offices and on our sites. We…

It is estimated that the amount of plastic waste generated annually in the UK is nearly 5 million tonnes, with the UK Government challenging this in their 25 year plan for the environment and the European strategy for plastics in a circular economy. To play our part in combatting this current environmental issue, the Sisk Team on the Blossom Iron…

Costain Skanska JV Paddington C405 held a Winter Hydration Campaign led by the Project Director. Not many people consider hydration to be an issue during the winter months but in fact because of being outside in the cold weather our blood vessels constrict to prevent blood from flowing freely to the extremities allowing the body to preserve the heat in…

We have added a drinks bottle ‘Camelbak’ in the rear of the high-vis for operatives so that they do not have to walk around the site looking for hydration. This is especially useful for traffic marshals who are on the go, who can quickly hydrate in the summer months, reducing the need for plastic bottles which are becoming a major…

Whilst clearing out the welfare changing rooms to remove used PPE from a previous subcontractor and make space for a new subcontractor, ten bin bags full of old PPE and clothing was collected, including hard hats, boots, hi-vis vests, coats and trousers. Instead of throwing the old PPE in the skip, it was upcycled for a new purpose in the…

Recycling is a key way construction sites should try to minimise their impact on the environment. Sites should try to recycle as much material as possible and work with external partners if necessary. See the examples below for how one site addressed this: Hard hats are mainly made of polypropene and should be replaced for health and safety reasons every…

On our site we use floor protection products from Protec who have developed a take-back scheme that collects used proplex sheets as well as other twinwall corrugated plastic sheeting of any size, thickness and colour. They then recycle these sheets, thus providing a ‘closed loop’ solution to a potential waste product. There are just a few simple ground rules on…

There are many different drivers to reducing and eliminating waste on construction projects. A simple way of reducing waste where possible, and significantly reducing the numbers of vehicles coming to and from site from waste removal is a compactor or baler. Cardboard and plastic waste being baled not only saves space on site, but reduces costs in skips and decreases…

Everyone in the construction industry needs to take appropriate measures to minimise their impact on the environment. This includes recycling where possible and making efforts to reduce waste. See the examples below for how one supplier addressed this: The company supplies and installs furniture and equipment to construction site cabins. They worked with a local corrugated packaging manufacturer to reuse the…

By returning HDPE membrane off-cuts from site to Newton headquarters in Tonbridge via backloads, the material is then initially processed in-house. Working closely with the UK’s largest non-profit recycling organisation RECOUP in order to set up the necessary relationships with both a plastics reprocessor and an end-manufacturer who will use the recycled material. Newton is the first waterproofing materials supplier…

Construction projects can create a great deal of waste, which in turn harms the environment. Plastic materials are particularly difficult, but this supplier devised an innovative way of making their business more environmentally friendly. See the examples below for how the supplier achieved this: Launched a waste take back scheme which recycles polypropylene packaging into new packaging material. This reduces…

Pupils from local Argyle Primary School painted redundant hard hats from The Russell Hotel S&T site. These were then turned into flower baskets influenced by their curriculum in which they were studying Cubism and Georgia O’Keefe. The flowers were from Camden Garden Centre and were picked by a local retired resident and garden enthusiast. Bird feeders had also been created…

Sustainable working methods and materials can also be more effective for the job. The example below shows how one site demonstrated this: The site team proposed 100% sustainable/recycled products for ducting; This is made of cardboard made from sustainable sources with recycled plastic for strengthening and joints; It is lightweight and arrives in flat pack and consequently the whole building…

Testing out experimental methods that could possible reduce environmental impact is always a good idea. At worst it will fail and the idea can be scrapped, but it could lead to a company wide innovation. The example below shows how one site achieved this: During the decade since the plastic panels were installed, there was a gradual acceptance that plastic…

As the Lillie Square project was evolving from superstructure and cladding towards utilising fit-out trades, the project held a ‘managing fit-out waste workshop’ with subcontractors. The purpose of the session was to help raise awareness about the importance of waste on the project and to also discuss ways in which waste could be reduced. The workshop covered a number of…

We have recycled our milk bottles and re-used them to plant flowers and make our welfare better looking. Also we have planted extra flowers in front of our cabins and made the site entrance more presentable and welcoming. By doing this we have both improved the appearance of our site to the public, visitors and workforce, as well as improving…

To reduce litter, waste and use of resources, a shopping bag borrowing scheme has been set up on our BDI and Amenities project in Oxford for everyone on site to take a bag if they go out to buy lunch off-site. A typical plastic bag weighs on average of 32.5 g with about 200g of carbon dioxide produced per bag….

ATC invited eight members of the Salvation Army to a biodiversity engagement event as part of ‘World Climate Week’ at Plumstead railhead. The day began with a site tour, allowing our visitors to engage with our workforce and experience first-hand the workings of an operational railhead. After an informative tour delivered by ATC’s senior foreman the Salvation Army rolled up…

The Spotlight on… flyers have been designed for general display in and around site welfare facilities. The Scheme provides a collection of A5 flyers from both past and current ‘Spotlight on… ‘ awareness campaigns. Each unique flyer contains information on the industry issue and advice on how to tackle it. This resource has proven valuable for display on site and raising awareness…

To help improve compliance with the Waste “Duty of Care”, we have produced a pocket sized waste card to distribute to all operatives and supervisors involved with waste disposal on sites. This can be printed on water resistant card or laminated and acts as a quick reminder for all involved of the information needed on a waste transfer note. A publically…

As part of our policy of recycling and reusing prior to skipping on sites, at the start of projects we liaise with a lot of local shops and businesses in the local area. During these conversations we explain the waste that gets generated from sites and how we go about recycling and reusing many of the products. This provides an insight on how to go about…

The construction industry currently disposes of thousands of pallets each year via waste collection and skips. Premier Waste Services (UK) Limited have proposed a Pallet Collection service whereby, projects in the area are eligible for a free pallet collection service. Any project or construction site can take advantage of this service, no matter how big or small. All collected pallets…

At Structure Consulting’s £7.1 million food production facility project in Park Royal, London, waste plastic cladding trim off-cuts are utilised as an alternative to 1mm plastic packers to pack out door frames & window sills. This is contributing towards our BREEAM target score of 3 credits by optimising resource efficiency. There are several benefits to using these packers, such as: Re-use…

NetRegs is a partnership between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). They provide free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses throughout Northern Ireland and Scotland. NetRegs have also recently generated a series of e-learning tools on subjects such as: Duty of care Preventing pollution Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Renewable energy Sinks,…

Environmentally friendly working methods and alternatives should be identified and implemented.   One site has used the Jackpad system to support single story buildings. Below is an example of how the site made use of these portable foundations: Jackpads are portable foundations, suitable for most ground conditions, for modular buildings that are made from 100% recycled plastic and steel; They…

Throughout any construction project, it is essential that contractors give careful consideration to how their work may be impacting on the natural environment. Reducing waste through re-use or recycling is vitally important. Sites should also consider other initiatives to avoid waste. Examples of how waste reduction has been achieved include: The site used a system of bulk paint containers; Paint was delivered…

Site’s should always consider ways in which they can reduce their waste and minimise carbon footprint. Targets should be set and monitored for minimising waste to landfill and avoiding any unnecessary journeys. This in turn will help to protect the environment. Below is an example of how sites have decreased the use of skips: A system was adopted which turned…

Sites should be conscious of the impact their project is having on the environment. In order to limit the negative impact, the waste produced on site should be reduced and recycled. Measures to reduce waste should be identified and implemented on site. Below is an example of how sites have achieved this, using recyclable hoardings: Hoarding was constructed using a recyclable…

World Environment Day is the biggest, most globally celebrated day for positive environmental action coordinated by the United Nations (UN). “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment Day 2018, is a call to action for all of us to come together to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time. Chosen by this year’s host, India, the…

The work being undertaken should have a minimal impact on the environment. Measures should be actively sought and implemented to protect and enhance the environment. Below is an example of how environmentally friendly hoarding has been used on site: The hoarding was made from recycled plastic bottles; Although this was more expensive to obtain initially, the hoarding can be reused multiple times…

Waste management is an important environmental factor to be considered for every construction project. Materials on site should be either recycled or re-used as much as possible, to reduce waste to landfill. Reducing waste on site will benefit the environment and could also reduce costs. Examples of how many sites managed and reduced waste include: Timber waste was re-used as shuttering,…

Throughout any project, it is essential that a constructor takes a responsible attitude towards environmental issues, to ensure that their work is not having a detrimental effect on the natural environment.  They should be respectful and protecting of the environment, with the aim to enhance the natural environment for existing and future generations. Many sites have demonstrated a very high commitment to…