NI's construction sector is being urged to participate in a forthcoming waste study

Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots today urged businesses to participate in a study to improve the sustainability of the construction sector in Northern Ireland.

The aim of the study, commissioned by the Department of the Environment (DOE), is to monitor progress towards the Waste Framework Directive target to recover 70% of non-hazardous waste from the construction sector.

By focussing on the amount, type and fate of construction, demolition and excavation waste produced in Northern Ireland in 2009/10, the survey will also provide a clearer picture on how waste is currently being managed to increase recycling and recovery rates in the future.

Speaking on the study, Minister Poots said: "I encourage all businesses in the construction sector to take part in this study.

"By participating they will be making a direct contribution to improving the sustainability of the construction sector in Northern Ireland.

"Not only is this good news for the environment but makes sound economic sense. Waste is estimated to cost business some 4% of total turnover when the cost of wasted raw material and disposal are combined," he explained.

"By taking the time to review the waste your business produced and how it was managed, we hope that you will identify ways in which you can reduce costs, increase operational efficiency and improve your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

"All of these are particularly important in these challenging times," he said, noting that the study is being directed by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) with the support of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Construction Employers Federation.

RPS, working on behalf of WRAP, will be writing to businesses in the construction sector in January to invite them to participate. This will involve completing a short questionnaire.

This confidential survey can also be filled out online at: www.constructionwastesurveyni.org.uk

(BMcC/GK)