Strategies to enhance waste minimization and energy conservation within organizations: a case study from the UK construction sector

Waste Manag Res. 2012 Sep;30(9):981-90. doi: 10.1177/0734242X12455087. Epub 2012 Jul 26.

Abstract

Strategies for enhancing environmental management are a key focus for the government in the UK. Using a manufacturing company from the construction sector as a case study, this paper evaluates selected interventionist techniques, including environmental teams, awareness raising and staff training to improve environmental performance. The study employed a range of methods including questionnaire surveys and audits of energy consumption and generation of waste to examine the outcomes of the selected techniques. The results suggest that initially environmental management was not a focus for either the employees or the company. However, as a result of employing the techniques, the company was able to reduce energy consumption, increase recycling rates and achieve costs savings in excess of £132,000.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Conservation of Energy Resources / economics
  • Conservation of Energy Resources / methods*
  • Construction Industry*
  • Construction Materials / analysis
  • England
  • Industrial Waste / economics
  • Industrial Waste / prevention & control*
  • Waste Management / economics
  • Waste Management / methods*
  • Waste Products / analysis

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Waste Products