Use resources efficiently in construction and building trades

Wasting resources such as building materials adds a considerable amount to both the environmental and financial cost of construction. Buying materials that you don't use means that you have to pay both the purchase and disposal costs. It makes sense for both main contractors and individual building trades to use resources more efficiently and work together to reduce the environmental impact of their work.

Reducing the amount of waste you produce makes it easier to comply with legal controls on waste. It can also help you to win business from the increasing number of customers and principal contractors that place a high priority on environmental issues.

This guide outlines the overall waste responsibilities of businesses that operate on building sites. It suggests simple ways for building trades such as bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, electricians and decorators to reduce waste and save money.