Use resources efficiently in construction and building trades

Plumbers use scarce materials such as copper, steel, lead and iron, as well as installing heating systems and expensive equipment, such as boilers, which have a long-term effect on carbon dioxide emissions. This gives plumbers the opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on environmental issues.

There are a number of ways you can reduce waste and save money. You could:

• Work out your own ways of eliminating waste from your work, for example by using leftover materials from one job on the next one - this is usually cheaper than having to dispose of waste and is better for the environment. For example, you could reuse lengths of pipework during and between projects.
• Avoid over ordering, as this increases waste.
• Think about the types of waste you produce and whether they need to be dealt with as hazardous waste.
• Make sure you recycle any waste - this applies to many plumbing materials including copper, steel, lead, cast iron and aluminium.
• Reduce your packaging waste - for example some pipework does not require any packaging at all and can be unloaded directly off the delivery vehicle.
• Consider alternative, shorter routes for pipework.
• Purchase pre-fabricated pipework - this will reduce waste generated on site and also cut the cost of labour as installation is much quicker.
• Speak to your suppliers to find out if they use returnable packaging - for example crates and pallets - for products, which can be returned for reuse.
• Keep stores secure, dry and organised - bad storage can cause considerable waste.
• Protect completed work so it is not damaged by others. 'Just-in-time' delivery for pre-fabricated pipework could increase available storage on site as well as reducing the likelihood of materials becoming damaged.
• Use materials with recycled content.
• Design pine-runs to use as few fittings as possible and save resources by fitting the minimum sizes of boiler, radiators and tanks.
• Use water-saving dual-flush systems and put hippo bags in existing cisterns to reduce water use.
• Insulate pipework to prevent heat loss and frost damage.
• Avoid flushing systems into surface water drains.
• Make sure customers know how best to use what you have installed - leave manuals and clear maintenance instructions.

You must help to ensure that your waste is properly dealt with - see duty of care for business waste.