The Construction and Demolition Sector - Development of a Waste Sector Plan

Lead Researcher: Lori Frater

Currently, the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) is developing a new Waste Strategy – ‘Towards Zero Waste’. The implementation of this Strategy will be aided by the development of key Sector Plans. The plans will show who is doing what, by when and with whom.

"These plans will be customer facing delivery plan documents, which describe the role of the sector in delivering the strategy, lay out specific targets and policies, set out who will do what (by the sector, by others and by the Assembly Government) and be developed with sector representatives to make sure it can be achieved." (Towards Zero Waste)

BRASS will be working with the WAG and Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) to develop the waste sector plan for the construction and demolition industry.

The aim of the construction sector plan is to present a longer term perspective and vision for improving resource use and waste management, in line with government objectives set out in the Wales waste strategy.

The Sector plan will establish how the construction sector will manage resources used and the prevention of waste materials from the construction, refurbishment and demolition of buildings in Wales.

Key to the Sector plan is that it is directed at all organisations involved in the built environment. Consequently, the development of the plan will include input from key industry stakeholders.

UPDATE

On the 8th November 2011, the Welsh Government launched the Draft Construction and Demolition Sector Plan.  The plan supports Towards Zero Waste the overarching waste strategy document for Wales. It details the outcomes, policies and actions for these sectors. 

Waste is one of the most important issues facing the Welsh construction industry.  Using more recycled materials and minimising the waste the construction and demolition process is crucial to creating a more sustainable environment. These issues are addressed in the Construction and Demolition Sector Plan consultation document open to responses from stakeholders from 8th November 2011.

The plan seeks to:

• - influence behaviour change;
  - encourage better ways of working;
  - develop partnerships with the third sector; and
  - legislative controls.
• 
  The aims will be addressed from design of products or buildings to demolition, recovery and disposal.

The plan was developed through a partnership of the Welsh Government, Constructing Excellence Wales and the BRASS Centre.  The consultation period closes on 31/01/2012, click here to access the document.

• Partners