Wates Group is one of the largest privately-owned construction companies in the UK. One of its key objectives is to use business growth to improve communities and the environment. Central to this is its ‘Target Zero’ public commitment which aims to eliminate all non-hazardous waste to landfill by 2010.
Wates Group has integrated ‘Target Zero’ across the company. All sites develop Site Waste Management Plans to assess waste and opportunities for reducinig, reusing and recycling waste. As a result, its team at John Lewis, Liverpool installed of one of only three ‘Envirowash’ stations in the UK. This enabled the residue from tools and cans used for paint to be filtered and separated into liquids and solids, with solids taken by Dulux for reuse in new paints.
Wates Group has also applied the initiative to its suppliers. It has included the Target Zero card in all sub-contractor orders to raise awareness of its commitment. During 2007, it also hosted FT14, a six month fast track programme helping businesses to develop environmental management systems, for 8 of its preferred suppliers. Wates Group has engaged its customers on sustainability issues by hosting breakfast briefings and by working with its primary customers, to identify their environmental needs and suggest solutions to work collaboratively to reduce energy and waste.
Wates is also taking a lead in its sector. During 2007 it worked closely with the Waste and Resources Action Plan (WRAP) to lead two demonstration projects on waste minimization and management. The findings from the projects resulted in the publication of industry guidance on waste minimisation and management.
