Builders’ merchant Jewson plans to achieve zero waste to landfill by the end of the year through increasing the creation of refuse derived fuel (RDF).
In its latest Sustainability Report for 2013, the retailers showed that it had diverted 59 per cent of its waste from landfill, up from 35 per cent in 2012.
It said that it was working to reduce the amount of waste it creates at its branches, while also seeking to minimise the packaging on the products it sells.
Jewson also highlighted its 360˚ agreement it has with waste management and recycling company Biffa that means all site waste from braches and offices is turned into RDF for the generation of electricity.
Biffa then provides the same amount of electricity back (a 3MW base load) for use by Jewson owner Saint-Gobain’s UK manufacturing businesses.
The company also highlighted ways in which it was becoming more resource efficient.
One of these was working with brick supplier Hanson to reduce brick packaging which saved on materials but also saved £2 per pallet for Hanson.
It is also working with two suppliers on new ‘skid’ for plasterboard delivery that means less timber will be needed for pallets and thereby reducing waste.
Jewson also highlighted how it has reduced its carbon emissions to 41.4 tonnes per £million of turnover in 2013 from 44.4 tonnes in 2012.
It has also reduced water consumption to 148,000 m3 from 215,000 m3 a year earlier.
Jewson managing director Peter Stringer said: “There is more to do and more we can improve on. With new challenges around the corner, in an economic climate that remains challenging, we remain committed to leading the market in supplying sustainable timber and building materials and helping to build a more sustainable future together.”
