part six

 Sustainability Speak

        The construction industry produces over 92 million tonnes of waste each year.

        92 million tonnes is approximately 24% of the UK’s total annual waste arising's.

        13 million tonnes (or thereabouts) of the 92 million tonnes, ie 14%, is unused materials.

        Approximately 34%, or 31 million tonnes, of the 92 million tonnes is made up of packaging.

        Dealing with waste typically costs construction firms 4.5% of annual turnover.

        Effective waste segregation can give a cost saving of at least 25%.

        In April 2008 the rate of Landfill Tax for non-hazardous waste will rise to £32 per tonne.

        The estimated ‘true’ cost of an 8 cubic yard waste skip (including material and labour) sent to landfill is over £1400.

        At the current rate of filling, the landfill capacity in the East Midlands will be exhausted within 8 years from now.

        30% of all incidents dealt with by the Environment Agency each year concern the construction/demolition industry.

        By taking simple mitigation steps, water consumption can be reduced by 50%.

DJW/smc/5.4.07