Anyone who has worked with us will know how integral sustainability is to the way we work at b&m, from the type of projects we participate in right to how we operate in our office. This month, as we focus on environmental responsibility in the lead up to Earth Day, we are celebrating a major achievement in our team.
Sean Robinson, one of our esteemed Senior Quantity Surveyors, has had his MSc dissertation paper published by ICE: Exploring Key Barriers to Effective Material Waste Reduction in UK Construction Projects. This research is a significant contribution to the industry’s understanding of sustainability and resource efficiency, and we are incredibly proud of his work.
Exploring Sean’s research
Sean’s research delves into the pressing issue of material waste in the construction sector. The industry generates a substantial proportion of the UK’s overall waste, meaning it’s absolutely vital that we develop better strategies for waste reduction. His paper identifies key barriers that prevent effective waste material management, including challenges in supply chain coordination, on-site waste handling, and regulatory complexities.
Finding a solution to the problem begins with recognising the problem, and by highlighting these obstacles, Sean provides valuable insights into how the construction industry can move towards a much more sustainable approach to work.
One of the largest of these barriers identified by Sean’s research is a ‘lack of care from site operatives as they are not the ones paying for the materials’. Sean explains that on most UK sites, materials are procured and supplied by the Main Contractor and used by site operatives, however because the cost of these materials is funded by clients, there is a disconnect between those buying the materials and those managing the waste. This then leads to blame being placed on workers rather than the system in place, and, unfortunately, attitudes towards waste reduction and a lack of incentives prevents the creation of a more effective system.
Sean’s research suggests better incentives are required for those who reduce waste, and increased penalties for those who do not. While the focus is usually on projects being completed in a timely manner, we agree that rewards and discipline in regard to the project being carried out efficiently are just as important. While this would mean a significant shift in the way modern construction projects operate, we would welcome legislation that held every party accountable in how they manage waste and encourage a more collaborative approach that prevents ‘blame’.
Our commitment to sustainability as a B Corp
Sean’s research has encouraged us to consider our own waste management systems, and we look forward to delving deeper into his research and utilising his expertise to discuss how we can move forward. Rather than assuming that construction material waste is inevitable (another industry barrier identified by Sean), we aim to do our bit to initiate a cultural shift within the industry and highlight the importance of being considerate about waste management.
We are incredibly proud of our B Corp status, and are fully committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our work. We believe that reducing material waste should not be just a regulatory requirement, but should be seen as a fundamental responsibility for creating a sustainable future. At b&m, we ensure that our environmental impact is considered at every stage of each and every project we work on, whether that’s through responsible procurement or innovative waste management strategies, and we strive to lead by example in the industry.
Paul Gannaway, Director, says, “We are immensely proud of Sean’s research and how it highlights key obstacles that must be overcome in order to obtain a sustainable future within the construction landscape. His work perfectly aligns with our company’s commitment to sustainable practices, and we’re excited to share his research with our peers to begin working towards this future together”.
Driving change for a sustainable future
As we use this month to spotlight sustainability in our industry, we encourage others to consider the role they can play in reducing waste and improving environmental outcomes. Research like Sean’s is invaluable in driving progress, and we hope it sparks important conversations across the sector. If you’re interested in learning more, you can access his paper here: ICE Virtual Library.
