More businesses now aware of SWMPs
Research shows waste management requirements on construction projects are helping firms secure new business
02 Dec 2009
Construction businesses are starting to buck the UK’s recession and are now using Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) to help them win new business, according to a new survey.
The findings showed that the number of businesses now using SWMPs who believe the requirement has helped them secure new contracts has increased by 30% over the last year.
The October survey of over 600 UK-based construction businesses by NetRegs.gov.uk looked at attitudes towards environmental responsibility and opinions on SWMPs, which became a legal requirement in April 2008 for all construction projects worth more than £300,000.
Debbie Chatting, strategic marketing manager at NetRegs.gov.uk, said: “This is further proof that good environmental performance helps the bottom line, as well as the environment. It’s great to see that small to medium-sized construction businesses are responding to the marketplace demand for environmental improvements by using SWMPs, and are seeing financial success as a result.
“The industry needs to think long term and take a proactive approach to environmental responsibility now, and not use the recession as an excuse to ignore it. Creating and using a greener approach on a daily basis will pay dividends to construction businesses in the long run.”
The survey also showed that awareness of SWMPs has grown significantly, with over 80% of respondents now aware of the legislation, compared with just 49% in 2008.
Peter O’Connell, policy manager at the Federation of Master Builders, who worked with NetRegs.gov.uk to conduct the survey, said: “With the industry deep in recession and even weak recovery not expected until sometime in 2011, it is more important than ever to ensure that you are doing all you can to minimise waste.”