Materials Facts
Around 420 million tonnes of materials are used by the UK construction industry each year, and approximately 120 tonnes becomes waste. (WRAP)
A target of 10 - 15% recycled content by value is commonly being set for new buildings, although actual performance is frequently higher. (WRAP products)
The total consumption of all materials in the UK amounts to 678 million tonnes per year, this equates to 11.3 tonnes per person. Of this figure 420 million tonnes are used in construction every year, or 7 tonnes per person. (greenspec.co.uk)
Construction materials account for 20% of the UK’s ecological footprint; 19% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and 30% of all UK freight transport.
The production and transportation of construction materials are estimated to use 6% of UK energy.
Cement manufacture accounts for around 2% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. (sitelines.co.uk)
It is mandatory for all new government funded homes to have a Code for Sustainable Homes rating. One of the aims of the Code is to encourage the use of materials with lower environmental impacts.
The largest component of construction minerals are aggregates, principally crushed rock (limestone, igneous rock and sandstone) and sand and gravel. Other minerals used in construction are clay, chalk and limestone for cement making, brick clay, gypsum, slate and building stone.
Aggregates make up over 50% of construction materials, some 240 million tonnes per year. Having been introduction in 2002 at £1.60 per tonne, the aggregate levy has since increased for 2010-11 to £2 per tonne.
An estimated 532,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste was generated in Hertfordshire in 2003/04. (Waste Core Strategy Submission, January 2008)
The UK construction industry is responsible for 32% of landfill waste. A further 29% of waste to landfill is generated by mining and quarrying. (WRAP)
Recycled and secondary aggregates supply over 25% of the UK’s requirement. (mineralsuk.com)
The Olympic Delivery Authority has pledged to recover, reuse or recycle 90% of construction waste on the 2012 Olympic site. (ODA)
Since April 2008, it has been a legal requirement that a construction project in England worth more than £300,000 must have a Site Waste Management Plan. (Netregs)
The Strategy for Sustainable Construction, June 2008, set a target of a 50% reduction of construction, demolition and excavation waste by 2012, compared to 2008. (berr.gov.uk)
WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) is promoting this campaign, and has obtained a commitment to halving waste to landfill from over 500 signatories. (WRAP)