Materials Resourse Efficiency in Regeneration Projects

WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is working closely with every level of the construction supply chain to demonstrate the business case for a range of materials resource efficiency measures. As part of this, WRAP is to deliver a series of seven interactive workshops during March and April 2006 focusing on Materials Resource Efficiency in Regeneration Projects.

These unique events aimed at those involved in demolition and new build projects will describe how to implement robust and cost effective sustainable design and construction practices through materials resource efficiency. These practices can help the construction industry meet its environmental, social and legislative responsibilities while maintaining – or even improving – profitability.

The workshops will draw upon the ICE Demolition Protocol methodology which provides a mechanism for effective recovery of materials from demolition projects as well as supporting the procurement of recovered materials in the new build. Speakers will describe how these mechanisms can be employed by all parties involved in regeneration projects, from the policy makers and planers through to material suppliers.

The workshops will focus on achieving verifiable resource efficiency targets through design, procurement and material recovery and re-use practices. Describing the tools, planning and contractual mechanisms to achieve this, the workshops are aimed at local authority planners, developers, architects, consultants and contractors. Key opportunities to be explored will include:

• delivering materials resource efficiency through the planning system and contractual mechanisms;
• setting and achieving materials recovery and re-use targets through design and procurement;
• the role of the supply chain partners;
• the tools available to maximise the recovery and re-use of materials, including the ICE Demolition Protocol;
• use of pre-demolition audits, site waste management plans; and
• identifying and maximising the potential for recovered material in the new-build.

These FREE events will be delivered by experts from WRAP, EnviroCentre, BRE and TRL with regional speakers presenting local case studies of real demolition and new build projects. They will take place at a number of venues across England and Scotland, including Liverpool, Leicester, York, Solihull, Bristol, London and Stirling, and complement the highly successful Reconstruct awareness raising events run by WRAP last year. The Reconstruct events promoted the measurable business benefits achieved through procuring recycled content in construction projects, providing awareness of how recycled options are cost effective, meet performance requirements, and are readily available in the marketplace.

Places can be booked for this event by emailing conferences@trl.co.uk or visit www.trl.co.uk/events/default.asp?pid=22 to download a booking form.

Notes to editors:

1. WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a major UK programme established to promote resource efficiency. Its particular focus is on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products and removing the barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.
2. A not-for-profit company, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3. WRAP is currently running fifteen programmes. Twelve are focused on market development, and comprise nine material streams (Paper, Plastics, Glass, Wood, Organics, Aggregates, Plasterboard, Tyres and Batteries) and three generic areas (Business & Finance, Procurement, and Regional Market Development). Three new programmes relate to the wider resource efficiency remit - Collections, Communications and Awareness, and Waste Minimisation.
4. Details of all WRAP's activities are available at www.wrap.org.uk

For further information contact: