Upcoming Events

• 10th February 2010 Never Waste a Good Crisis – Cardiff
• 11th February 2010 SMEs – Bid Coaching and How to Improve your chances of Winning Work during the Recession
• 22nd February 2010 Who Shares Wins! – Llandudno
• 23rd February 2010 What would it be worth – Llandudno

Many small businesses in the construction supply chain are finding the current climate very testing indeed.  So tough, in fact, that there is a real risk that many of these organisations might move back towards a culture of lowest price tendering.  But the choices need explaining properly, and the South West Wales CE club are holding an SME focussed event on the 11 February, to help explain the options.

Feedback from its members and associates has shown that many SMEs are still struggling to understand some of the basic principles and benefits of the collaborative working agenda – particularly how the industry is moving away from lowest price alone as a method of securing work. As the SWW club has a range of members including clients, principle contractors and consultants the workshop is an opportunity to gain an insight into the processes involved from local industry professionals.

CEW is leading the development of the Construction Sector plan which is one of the four sector plans (the others are Retail, Municipal and Infrastructure) which are being produced as the first of a whole series of plans which is intended to support and ultimately deliver the new waste strategy for Wales (Towards Zero Waste) which will be published in the summer of 2010. The Construction Sector plan is scheduled for launch in autumn 2010. On Tuesday 12 January CEW hosted the second sector plan workshop. The workshop presented a summary of the views gathered in the first workshop which was held in October. Sixty representatives of every aspect of the construction sector had been invited to attend the workshops to contribute views on the problems issues and possible solutions which the sector needs to address to move towards the zero waste targets by 2050.  On 12 January more than 40 attendees were presented with the outcome of the October workshop and gave extremely valuable feedback which the Sector Plan team will take forward in the preparation of a first draft of the Sector Plan which it is hoped will be circulated to sector representatives in late February/early March 2010.

Now firmly established as a celebration of best practice, the Awards demonstrate the strengths of the Welsh built environment and act as a strong promotional tool to the whole industry. The winners and those from award ceremonies hosted by other CE regions go forward to a National final in the autumn. Last year, we had our best ever results to date, with victory in three national categories.

Our Awards are open to all organisations and project teams involved in delivering construction and contributing to the built environment in Wales be they developers, clients, contractors, specialist and sub-contractors, members of the design team or other consultants. Being recognised by your peers for excellence in construction will bring enormous benefits to your business, helping you to attract new clients, cement existing relationships and raise your staff morale. Apply now and be remembered and rewarded for all your efforts by taking part in the Awards!  Don’t forget, the deadline for entries is midday on 8 March.  Go to our awards page for more information.

A collaborative approach and sound planning produced fantastic waste management results at Newport High School.

People tend to forget that waste can be designed out of a building project.  If it is planned correctly and the project team works together to avoid generating waste, then waste can be minimised.  For Newport City Council this was crucial when they embarked upon rebuilding two secondary schools, Bettws and Hartridge.

Reducing waste from the outset of the scheme was a primary target and it was agreed to involve the entire supply chain in conjunction with the main contractor, Leadbitters.  The goal was to go beyond normal compliance with legislation, but to be realistic as well. The first step was the use of a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) as a tool to monitor waste production; target the construction elements with recyclable value; review the SWMP on monthly intervals to achieve a Waste versus Resource Action Plan as per WRAPs Best Practice guidance.  There was commitment across the whole project with consistent re-use of surplus materials such as stockpiling topsoil; insulation off-cuts reused by masonry contractor to avoid cold-bridging; bricklayer’s waste crushed on site and reused for community projects.

Most importantly, the team has achieved its goals.  Of the 24,607 cubic metres of waste created, over 24,000 cubic metres has been reused and only 67.8 cubic metres went to landfill.  That’s a diversion of 24,500 cubic metres from landfill.  It is a great result and testimony to the commitment of the team. That is also why it won the CEW Waste Award, last year.

The scheme is a CEW demonstration project and there are lots of other examples to learn from that highlight different aspects of best practice; go to the CEW Demo Examples page or call David Clague on 02920 493322.

No one can pretend that 2010 is going to be an easy year.  But it can be a positive one depending on the decisions we make and if we stick to our resolutions.  In the CEW column in the Western Mail in early January, we said that the current economic conditions give us two choices.

Either we allow the situation to force the sector deeper into recession; or we grit our teeth and restate our commitment to the concept of best value, quality-driven procurement methods as championed by Egan and Latham. Our industry has the potential to build Wales out of the current slump, but must be united – both at client and supply level – in commitment and approach.  We must hold our nerve.

In this, our first e-newsletter (they are going to be monthly) it is great to see evidence of the industry pulling together.  The SWW Club event will help SMEs appreciate the importance of collaborative working; the demonstration projects highlight the benefits of teamwork and it is clear to everyone that we cannot deliver on our targets without an integrated approach – up and down the supply chain.  Our industry can build Wales out of recession, that was certainly the mood at our -40C question time session held on 26 January, but only if we work together.

We must still work hard to educate clients about the benefits of collaborative working.  Clients need to champion best practice to allow the supply chain to deliver commercially robust best value outcomes. The procurement task force will help achieve some of this in the public sector and hopefully private sector clients will watch and learn.  It is vital that as we start to talk about a possible recovery beginning, we do not revert to the good old bad old days of lowest price tendering.

In 2010, construction has to resolve to hold its nerve, focus on sustainability and energy efficient building systems and simply, keep calm and carry on.  Watch out for our monthly newsletters from now on as we help the industry to achieve its goals via a collaborative approach.  If you want to contribute an article or have some news to share then do get in touch via the website or at info@cewales.org.uk

Wales is on target to achieve the Welsh Assembly Government objectives for construction and demolition waste, thanks to the Green Compass scheme that was launched on Monday (13 July).

Waste handlers involved with the Green Compass scheme are already achieving recovery rates of around 83%. That is only 2% shy of the target that by 2010, 85 per cent or more of the waste generated by the construction and demolition sectors in Wales will be re-used or recycled.

This is great news and a vindication for a lot of hard work from the CEW waste team. So, what is it and how does it work? Green Compass is a scheme that will provide the framework within which waste handling organisations can seek compliance with a new PAS 402 (Publicly Available Specification). This specification, developed by CEW in cooperation with BSI, requires waste management organisations to demonstrate sound environmental practices which will then assist builders in selecting their contractors.   Green Compass gives everyone confidence about where their waste is going and what their waste contractor is doing with that waste material.  Consequently, because contractors and builders will know how and where their waste material is being managed more construction and demolition waste is going to be recycled and diverted from landfill.

The results from the Green Compass pilot scheme, launched last September by Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, have been great. Ten ‘Pathfinder’ waste contractors signed up to Green Compass. They deal with around half a million tonnes of waste per year and, as part of the project, between 43% and 83% of this have been recovered, diverted away from landfill then recycled and re-used. That’s 200,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill since September 2008. This is the proof required that sound processes and standards have a major impact on waste recovery rates. What’s more, Wales is leading the UK in a scheme that could potentially divert more than 85% of waste from landfill once rolled out across the country. But it is just one initiative and we have more up our sleeve. Keep an eye on the www.cewales.org.uk/waste pages for more news and discussion about the Construction Waste Programme.

Wales is well on the way to reaching the Welsh Assembly Government waste targets, thanks to the Green Compass scheme organised by Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) and launched by Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing yesterday (13 July, 2009).

Waste handlers involved with the Green Compass scheme are already achieving recovery rates of around 83%, only 2% shy of the target that by 2010, 85 per cent or more of the waste generated by the construction and demolition sectors in Wales will be re-used or recycled.  Green Compass includes one organisation that has recovery rates of 100% for inert material.

Green Compass is a scheme that will provide the framework within which waste handling organisations can seek compliance with the new PAS 402 (Publicly Available Specification).  This specification, developed by CEW in cooperation with BSI, requires waste management organisations to demonstrate sound environmental practices which will then assist builders in selecting their contractors. It is expected that the scheme will allow more construction and demolition waste to be recycled and diverted from landfill.

Builders and construction companies wishing to specify their waste contractor on the basis of demonstrable, sound waste management will be able to use compliance with PAS 402, verified by Green Compass inspection, to help make the selection.  Since the ten ‘Pathfinder’ waste contractors signed up to the Green Compass pilot scheme, when it was launched last September, an average between 43% and 83% of waste has been recovered and diverted away from landfill and recycled and re-used.

Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, said: “This launch is a tremendous step forward in the right direction and is one of a number of significant initiatives being developed by Constructing Excellence in Wales that will help us, the public sector and industry in challenging head on the problems we face with waste.  PAS 402 specification, together with Green Compass scheme, has the potential to drive forward improvements in the waste management industry to bring about the step change we need to achieve our goal of zero waste.”

The ‘Pathfinders’ involved in the pilot scheme deal with half a million tonnes of waste between them and it is estimated that around 200,000 tonnes of waste has been diverted from landfill since the Green Compass Pilot Project began in September.  Feedback from the Pathfinders and contractors has been positive and Constructing Excellence in Wales is now looking for more waste handlers to join the scheme.

“This is the proof required that sound processes and standards have a major impact on waste recovery rates.  What’s more, Wales is leading the UK in a scheme that could divert 85% of waste from landfill once rolled out across the country,” said Milica Kitson, chief executive of Constructing Excellence in Wales.

Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) has worked with BSI to develop PAS 402 as part of its Green Compass waste programme, which gives assurance to anyone disposing of construction waste that it will be collected, checked, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally sound fashion. PAS 402 provides the framework for waste management organisations to demonstrate performance in key areas. Green Compass, managed by CEW on behalf of the Welsh Assembly, is the first scheme of its kind in the UK and is expected to make a significant contribution to minimising the levels of waste going to landfill.

Sir David John, Chairman of BSI, said: “This is a major step forward for the waste handling sector and the construction industry as a whole.  Construction generates more waste than any other sector and a standard for its disposal and management was urgently required.  We can already see the benefits that PAS 402 will bring based on the evidence from the Green Compass Pilot Project.  Working alongside CEW, we have been able to access a lot of expertise in the field of waste handling to develop a robust, practical framework that will not only benefit the construction industry, but help divert significant levels of waste from landfill, achieving national environmental targets.”

Welsh engineers have promised to use their influence in the planning, design and structure of buildings and facilities to address the sustainability issues facing Wales as it aims to create an environmentally friendly infrastructure for Wales.  They have committed to take a more radical in approach and focus on the dangers of over consumption and poor design, recognising that mankind only has one planet and finite resources.

It was agreed that taking an integrated approach to design and construction from day one is imperative. Engineers can maximise on the opportunities that exist if people are given the freedom to be creative and to challenge the existing norms. In this way resources can be managed better and more sustainable solutions taken advantage of.

“Engineers have a pivotal role in addressing sustainability in delivering infrastructure on which the whole of society is built.  By encouraging a fresh creative approach we can do this.  We will need to work with schools and colleges to encourage this approach through training and education,” said Sally Sudworth, CIWEM Welsh branch past chair and Halcrow director.  “We will be responding to the call to engage more with the public and to provide the leadership that industry is calling for and CIWEM looks forward to linking with Constructing Excellence in Wales in doing this.”

The goal of the event was to establish a baseline for the industry and identify some key actions that can be taken forward to make an effective difference.

• Take an integrated approach to design and construction – including the procurement process
• Bolt on fixes at the end of the design process is not the answer.
• Use the CEEQUAL civil engineering award system alongside BREEAM to drive behavioural changes
• Lobby for better legislation – Government must drive change
• Support the Carbon Reduction Commitment to make it effective in driving down CO2 emissions.
• Adopt low carbon measures in respective organisations and projects now

Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing gave a key note talk, referring to One Wales: One Planet, which highlighted the importance of creating an infrastructure for the Welsh economy that is truly sustainable.

Ms Davidson said, “The built environment is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases in Wales.  The way in which we construct and use our homes and other buildings accounts for 40% of our total carbon emissions.  It is vital that all our new buildings are energy efficient and as green as possible.  We all believe early action is needed, and this event confirms Wales’s commitment to do all we can to tackle climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.  Diverse groups from all over Wales are ready to use their voice and powers to help Wales reduce its carbon footprint.”

Food Waste via Anaerobic Digestion (AD)
To create a new or expand an existing AD facility to process a minimum of 60% of inputs from Commercial & Industrial food waste (i.e. food waste arisings from food processors, drinks manufacturers, catering companies, hotels).

Construction Waste Recycling Infrastructure
To create new or expand and improve existing processing/recycling facilities and/or for collection and mobile processing for waste arisings from Construction, Demolition & Excavation sources.  Projects which will install additional processing or separation equipment are also applicable. We are particularly keen to encourage applications which focus on plasterboard recovery.

Commercial & Industrial Plastics
To increase the reprocessing capacity in Wales of waste plastics, principally from Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sources.  Preference will be given to those projects which take in a range of plastics and which offer higher added value outputs either through effective sorting of materials and/or by ongoing processing through manufacture of final or intermediate products. To be eligible to apply your project must meet the following criteria:

• be located in Wales;
• your project must meet the requirements as set out in the individual scope documents;
• a signed contract with WRAP must be in place by 31 January 2010 and the project must be fully operational by 31 January 2011;
• a minimum of 60% of project inputs should come from Commercial & Industrial sources;
• your project would be unable to progress without the grant intervention;
• your project must be commercially sustainable in the medium and long term and result in an auditable, additional (to any current activity) annual output for 5 years from date of operation.

All applications will be assessed against specific evaluation criteria by an independent panel selected by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Closing date for applications:  12.30 pm Thursday 30 July 2009.

Want to know more or want to apply?
Please read the individual Scope Documents to ensure that your project will comply   and our Guidance Document WCG005 for full details of the evaluation criteria and how to apply.

These can be downloaded from the WRAP website under the Funding section.

WRAP aims to host 2 seminars in May:
North Wales on 27 May
Swansea on 28 May

You will have the opportunity to discuss on a confidential basis whether or not your project fits the scope of the programme and what you will need to do to apply. To book a place please contact Max Harvey on 02920 448095 or email max.harvey@wrap.org.uk

For further details of the MAP Wales Capital Grant Programme please call WRAP’s Grants & Compliance Officer Sarah Burns on 01295 819652 or email sarah.burns@wrap.org.uk