Photo opportunity: 3.30pm, Wednesday 7 January, Fulton Building (just off Small's Wynd, 2nd floor, room H22), University of Dundee, Dundee.
A University of Dundee guide promoting environmentally-sound disposal of waste has been recognised with a prestigious award and grants totalling £1/4 million.
The Guide to Demonstrating BPEO for Recycling Demolition Waste has been awarded beacon status by the RMC Environment Fund under the category of Sustainability through Education for highlighting best practice in the field and thereby contributing to sustainability.
Professor Ravinda Dhir, Director of the University's Concrete Technology Unit (CTU) said, "This prestigious award is great news for the CTU, coming as it does with research funding of £268,800 for a project that is central to achieving sustainability within the construction industry. The CTU’s research has been recognised twice before with Department of Trade and Industry Secretary of State Awards under the University/Industry Partnership Programme in 1998 and 1999."
Catherine Russell, RMC Grants Team Coordinator, said, "The Fund is proud to assign beacon status to those forward-thinking projects which have exceeded the Fund's criteria and that have demonstrated excellence in their beneficiation for the environment and for the public.
The Guide to Demonstrating BPEO for Recycling Demolition Waste project uses the University of Dundee's CTU's strong links to key stakeholders in this field to develop strategies for recycling demolition wastes under a given set of circumstances. The production of a definite handbook from this essential research, aimed at local authorities and contractors, has the potential to divert a high volume waste stream from landfill."
The money awarded will pay for the research, development and promotion (including training courses) of the handbook. £115,150 is from the RMCEF, with further funds of £153,650 from various sources - the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Tayside Contracts, British Cement Association, Quarry Products Association, John Doyle Construction Ltd, Amec Group Ltd, Greater Manchester Waste Ltd, Aitkens Design Environment & Engineering, and Waste Research Matters Association.
Beacon status is awarded to projects that truly demonstrate the value of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, complement the strategic aims of the RMC Environment Fund and have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainability in the UK.
Editors' notes
The CTU is based in the University of Dundee's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
RMC Environment Fund
Established in November 1998, the RMC Environment Fund is a grant giving fund which supports environmental and community based projects through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. The Fund aims to encourage environmental sustainability and community partnerships. The Fund is managed by The Environment Council and supported by RMC Group plc. www.rmcef.org.uk
Landfill Tax and the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme
The Landfill Tax, a levy on all material disposed in landfill sites, was introduced in October 1996. The tax aims to encourage recycling and reduce waste by raising the costs of disposal. The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme was introduced with the landfill tax and enables Landfill Operators to donate up to 6.5 per cent of their landfill tax liability to implement social and environmental projects that comply with the "approved objects" laid down in the Regulations. www.ltcs.org.uk
RMC
RMC Group plc has over 31,000 employees operating in 24 countries. As a leading international producer and supplier of materials, products and services used in the construction industry, RMC is committed to meeting the need to build in a way that is innovative, sensitive, quality-driven and environmentally responsible. www.rmc-group.com
The Environment Council
The Environment Council is a unique organisation dedicated to enabling people to make better environmental decisions and choices. It believes that achieving sustainability will need greater participation in the environment. Bringing together different interests to address environmental challenges constructively needs independence and a particular set of skills, skills that The Environment Council has been developing for over a decade. Registered Charity No. 294075. ENTRUST Enrolled Environmental Body No. 761098. www.the-environment-council.org.uk
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk