Did you know? 

• The construction industry represents 5% of London’s economy and employs over 200,000 people
• The construction sector relates to the whole life of the built environment – starting from the design through to build through to ongoing repair and maintenance
• Waste is one of the primary concerns in the construction industry – over 6.1m tonnes of waste (or 1,222,444 African elephants) are produced by the construction industry each year in London alone

Calling all Builders, Architects, Plumbers, Surveyors, Construction Project Managers, Bricklayers, Plasterers, Labourers, Decorators, Building Engineers…

Whatever your job is in the construction industry there are ways that you can contribute to making the industry more sustainable.  And if this isn’t enough it could also save you money!

Want to find out how?  Please contact Business Link London on 0845 6000 787

Find out how other people like you have benefited:

Envirowise’s construction case studies and guidance sheets: 

http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/construction

Environmental law and you:

The law on environmental issues is continually changing so it is important for you to know what could affect your business.  Listed below are some examples that could be relevant:

• PEFC sustainable forest management certification provides suitable assurance that its certified timber-based products, originate from legal and sustainable sources.
• The Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes. 
• Site waste management plans – will be compulsory for projects over £250K in late 2007
• High Gloss Paint will be banned by 2010 – to reduce the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Batteries Directive – on the use of disposal of batteries
• Landfill Directive – regulates the types of waste that can be sent to landfill and sets pre-treatment targets
• WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipments Regulations affect all forms of electrical equipment, from mobile phones to battery power tools. These will be classified as hazardous waste and need to be deconstructed before disposal.
• Eco-design Requirements for Energy-using Products Directive - will see that products’ energy efficiency will increase and assist the protection of the environment while increasing security of our energy supplies.

Get the full picture - contact Business Link London on 0845 6000 787

Useful links

SMARTwaste (www.smartwaste.co.uk) - Tools designed for the construction and demolition industry to help you to reduce waste.  Includes a map to help locate your nearest waste management centre.

Constructing Excellence (www.constructingexcellence.org.uk) - aims to deliver improved industry performance resulting in a demonstrably better built environment.

NetRegs (http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/sectors/364906/?version=1&lang=_e) – guiding small businesses like you through environmental regulations

Envirowise (http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/construction) – advice on site waste management plans

WRAP (http://www.wrap.org.uk/construction/index.html) – advice to help the construction industry cut costs and increase efficiency through the better use of materials.

Construction Resource Efficiency (CoRE) (http://www.smartwaste.co.uk/core.jsp) draws together the work relating to construction resource efficiency.

Contact Business Link London on 0845 6000 787 to be put in touch directly with someone who can guide you.