CONSTRUCTION Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and Zero Waste Scotland have teamed up to help reduce construction waste.
The construction sector is said to be both the largest consumer of natural resources and contributor to waste to landfill in Scotland, accounting for one third of overall waste to landfill.
CSIC said that reusing, recycling, waste minimisation and ‘circular economy’ approaches offer companies in the sector “significant opportunities” when it comes to cost savings, market opportunities and commercial competitive advantage.
The new partnership with Zero Waste Scotland will result in a programme of activities, including:
- A series of joint events to promote innovative ‘reuse, recycling and circular thinking’ initiatives within construction
- Issuing ‘innovation calls’ to generate innovation projects around waste reduction and reuse themes
- Collaborating on further sector-wide strategic projects
Zero Waste Scotland has also become a member of CSIC’s Innovation Factory.
Stephen Good, chief executive at CSIC said, “Reducing construction waste and encouraging circular economy approaches should be a priority for everyone in the sector, and there’s no doubt that it is increasingly becoming a driver for businesses. CSIC has already funded numerous projects in these areas, including reusing waste tyres in acoustic barriers and producing bricks made from construction waste.
“By working in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, who share many common goals with ourselves, we hope we can support even more construction businesses to innovate and grow whilst helping reduce the construction sector’s significant contribution to the country’s landfill.”
Iain Gulland, chief executive at Zero Waste Scotland added, “This partnership is a sign of our ambition to change the way we design and build in Scotland. The construction sector faces major challenges in reducing its waste but there are equally big opportunities for businesses to reduce costs and create new revenue streams in Scotland’s emerging circular economy. Achieving that will require new ways of thinking and working together to maximise our impact. By partnering with the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, we can combine an ambitious agenda for change with the practical and financial support that is required to help businesses make it happen.”
