CL:AIRE DoW CoP: A Game-Changer for UK Construction
If you’re in the UK construction industry, you’ve probably heard of the CL:AIRE Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoW CoP). But what exactly is it, and why is it so important to our industry?
The DoW CoP is a framework that helps determine whether excavated materials from construction sites are waste or not. It was launched back in 2008 by CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments), a charity that’s all about sustainable land reuse. Why has this framework been a game-changer for the industry? Well, it’s all about making construction more eco-friendly and cost-effective. The DoW CoP allows for:
- Reusing materials on the same site
- Transferring and reusing materials directly between sites without treatment
- Transferring and reusing materials between sites after treatment
This means less materials going to landfill and more efficient use of resources. However the framework is also crucial in setting a standard in terms of contamination and environmental protection, allowing for guidelines to be adhered to as to which materials can or cannot be reused.
Since its introduction, the framework has significantly reduced waste and improved resource efficiency. According to CL:AIRE, the DoW CoP has facilitated the reuse of over 100 million tonnes of materials, saving an estimated £1.5 billion in landfill tax and disposal costs. This substantial reduction in waste has not only provided economic benefits but has also contributed to a significant decrease in the industry’s environmental impact. The framework has been particularly effective in supporting the development of brownfield sites, which aligns with the UK’s historical planning policy that aimed for 60% of new housing to be built on these previously developed lands.
Here at Amet, we are a specialist earthworks and sustainable soil contractor, so are well-positioned to manage Materials Management Plans (MMPs) on construction projects across England and Wales. Our team of experts can develop and implement comprehensive MMPs in accordance with the CL:AIRE DoW CoP, ensuring that soil and other materials are handled sustainably and in compliance with regulations. We can assess the quality and quantity of excavated materials, identify opportunities for reuse, and manage the logistics of material movement between sites.
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