Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) calls for ramp up of Site Waste Management Plans

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called for the compulsory implementation of a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) for all projects involving more than 30 days or 500 person days of construction.

The CIOB said it wanted to create a level playing field in the industry, which produces 109m tonnes of waste each year, as well as encouraging the more efficient use of materials.

Michael Brown, CIOB deputy chief executive said: "As an industry we can’t just rely on construction companies with an ethical approach to the environment to take up the slack for those that show little concern for the use and misuse of our resources."

"Without the appropriate regulation and teeth we fear that SWMPs will only be used by larger operators who have an interest in environmental issues," he added.

He admitted that the plans would be liable to cost the industry more if made compulsory but argued that it would not affect competitiveness if applied to all companies in the industry.