Dec 14 2006
Yorkshire Forward has become the first Regional Development Agency (RDA) to adopt a target for the use of recycled materials in construction projects.
The initiative launched by the RDA in conjunction with Recycling Action Yorkshire (RAY) and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) aims to contribute to the region’s target of reducing CO2 emissions over three years.
Yorkshire Forward is the first Regional Development Agency in the country to formally commit to the principles of sustainable procurement, and has stipulated that from December 1, at least 10 per cent of the overall value of materials in construction projects it supports or funds must be made with recycled materials.
Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward said: “The new office blocks and apartment complexes springing up and changing the urban skyline are a sign of the region’s increasing prosperity and growing economy.
“Hand-in hand with this prosperity we must ensure that we protect the environment and our commitment to these important targets underlines how hard we are working to reduce our carbon emissions and make more efficient use of resources.”
Andrew Hartley RAY programme director said: “Driving recycling through purchasing can be very effective. In Yorkshire and Humber alone, the public sector spends £6.5 billion on goods and services, making it a consumer to be reckoned with.
“This massive buying power gives the public sector the opportunity to set the standard and drive UK sustainability in future years. The choices made by these organisations can create new markets for sustainable products, transform the approach of private sector suppliers and inspire groundbreaking new product development.”
In adopting the targets, the RDA has been working closely with WRAP, which has established national benchmarks and tools to encourage and help public and private organisations achieve higher recycled content through good procurement practice. WRAP is providing on-the-ground assistance to trailblazer organisations with major construction projects in the region.
Claire Plowright, WRAP construction project officer, said: “By seeking to measure and improve recycled content, construction clients can satisfy their stakeholders, planning authorities and employees and demonstrate a clear contribution to corporate responsibility”.
The targets will be promoted in conjunction with RAY, the regional recycling and market development programme, initiated and funded by Yorkshire Forward in partnership with the European Regional Development Fund plus key regional and national stakeholders.
RAY will be working with 10 organisations including the universities of Leeds and Bradford, Sheffield City Council and Leeds Metropolitan University. RAY project managers will monitor progress towards the target and have developed an online interactive procurement tool to assess the impact of buying recycled on the region’s recycling industry, and ultimately the region’s emissions of green house gases. This tool provides valuable data on buying recycled and is an innovative performance indicator.
Mr Hartley added: “Procurement of recycled products provides a powerful incentive for investment in recycling, pulls material through the recycling supply chain and helps make better businesses in the region.
“Participants in this ‘Buy Recycled’ initiative, including Yorkshire Forward, also enhance their reputation in terms of corporate social responsibility and experience associated benefits, appealing to new markets and accessing public sector contracts that demand compliance with sustainable procurement objectives.”
RAY Believes the 10 per cent requirement, which covers all physical development projects, can be readily achieved. Although it is already being met by some organisations, this commitment by Yorkshire Forward creates a formal 10 per cent minimum target for all projects.
Mr Hartley concluded: “With the help of RAY it is unlikely to place additional burden, either financial or technical, on project managers or partners. However, pilot projects have shown that once these principles have been embedded within an organisation they go on to achieve higher levels and expand into other areas of sustainable procurement.
“Adopting a formal target is a watershed for many organisations and Yorkshire Forward is showing environmental leadership while providing extensive support for regional partners to follow.”