Pathway To Zero Waste open for business!

Date: March 4th 2009

Click to view the following sections:

An excellent and inspirational event A great start Hilary Benn pledges his support (watch the film) PTZW launch presentations (download the slides) Photos of the launch event

As part of the PTZW launch event, delegates were asked to take part in an exercise to identify quick wins of a lasting and significant impact that the PTZW team could potentially take forward to accelerate the region’s progress towards a self-sufficient, resource efficient economy.

The exercise generated much lively discussion, and lots of excellent ideas, which the PTZW team are now actioning. These include:

• a project to identify optimum locations for construction waste consolidation and recycling facilities in the South East
• a study into the potential to set up an effective commodity market for recycled materials
• exploring opportunities to fast-track development of home-grown recycling technologies
• identifying major construction projects to use as examplars of resource and waste management efficiency
• developing an engagement programme for architects and designers to ensure they consider resource efficiency in building design and choice of materials.

In addition, delegates identified numerous projects that their organisations will instigate as a direct result of the PTZW launch event, and with the support of the PTZW team. These include:

• a number of construction companies pledging to: a) work with their clients and supply chains to increase use of recycled content materials and to reduce waste through better design and procurement, and b) audit their waste management contractors to ensure all opportunities for diverting material from landfill are maximised
• a waste management company providing reports for clients on volumes of materials sent to landfill because they couldn’t be recycled, to discourage use of these materials in future projects
• senior professionals in procurement, environmental and resources management developing ‘true cost of waste’ reports for their organisations’ executive management teams
• a major construction company finding and funding the development of a new construction waste treatment facility.

“Our launch has got us off to a great start,” continued Dr Taylor. “We now need to move forward together on all these great projects to keep the momentum building.”

The ‘excellent and inspirational event’ – as one delegate put it – generated fantastic energy and enthusiasm, with table discussions identifying numerous projects that can be implemented quickly with a lasting and significant impact, helping accelerate the region’s progress towards the zero waste target.

Click here to read a full report on the ‘Quick Wins’ exercise.