The Leadbitter Group which operates in both the UK construction and affordable housing markets has this month committed to halving the waste it sends to landfill by 2012.

As the fifth contractor to sign up to the voluntary agreement launched by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), Leadbitter has embarked upon a range of Framework initiatives including:

• setting a target for reducing waste to landfill – and assigning responsibility for delivery;
• embedding the targets within company policy and processes;
• setting corresponding requirements in project procurement and engaging with the company’s supply chain;
• measuring performance at  project level ;
• reporting annually on overall performance

Leadbitter has completed a number of schemes which meet regulatory frameworks such as the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM.  As a result the company has already established monitoring and reporting procedures which, according to Technical Manager, Kim Shepherd, places it in a good position to meet the targets required of this agreement with WRAP.

'The key benefits from having our waste to landfill will include financial savings for the Group as well as enhanced reputation as a sustainable contractor and of course  a reduction in the  environmental impacts  associated with landfills.  Clearly a win, win situation.'

Dr Mike Watson Head of Construction at WRAP welcomed Leadbitter’s commitment: 'We’re delighted that Leadbitter has signed up to the Halving Waste to Landfill commitment and I know that they’ve already put in place the framework and processes to implement good practice throughout the organisation.'

The construction sector currently wastes £1.5 billion in unused materials - those which are over-ordered during the construction process – and sends some 25 million tonnes of waste to landfill every year. Both the Strategy for Sustainable Construction and the Strategic Forum’s Construction Commitments have been instrumental in setting targets.