Circular economy
We seek to have a fully embedded approach to a circular economy which aims to design for sustainability, minimises waste and make the most of resources.
In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.
To support this, and in line with the waste hierarchy, it is our aim to reduce the total quantity of waste generated by our operations, with the ultimate ambition to operate zero waste construction sites. We focus on eliminating waste through great design and excellent on-site practices before choosing reuse and recycling options in favour of disposal.
Read our case study below about how we’re using the excavated clay from our Apex site in Camden to construct the basement perimeter walls.
CASE STUDY - VolkerFitzpatrick Apex project uses site subsoil for construction
At the VolkerFitzpatrick Apex site in Camden, the business is combining sustainable alternatives with traditional construction methods by using bricks made from excavated clay from the site to construct the basement perimeter walls.
Working with client, Reef, and architect, Bennetts Associates, on this sustainable project, the subsoil (clay) from site was sent to brickmakers HG Matthews, who are combining it with sand and straw to create unfired bricks known as earth blocks. The earth blocks, which are tested to British standards, regulations and strengths, are then being sent back to site to be used to create the perimeter walls in the basement of the new buildings.
The Apex is the first building of its scale to make use of site subsoil as a construction material, and the aim is to set a pioneering precedent on using earth blocks for the construction industry. In total almost 14,000 earth blocks will be laid, covering over 90m³. Unlike standard blockwork, which has limited recycling potential, earth blocks can be broken down and reused, or returned to nature at the end of their lifespan. As such, the earth block can store the building resource within the walls of the development throughout the lifetime of the building. This natural material also brings climatic benefits to buildings – it regulates indoor temperature and humidity levels and purifies the air by trapping airborne pollutants.
CASE STUDY – VolkerWessels UK makes major impact on repurposing of waste wood
Since partnering with social enterprise organisation Community Wood Recycling, VolkerWessels UK has made a major impact on the collection and reuse of waste wood from our sites across the UK.
The company’s latest Social and Environmental Impact report from Community Wood Recycling shows that, through the scheme, over 197 tonnes of wood have been collected from several of VolkerWessels UK’s locations across the country during 2023. This not only helps reduce the cost of disposing the wood, but allows for the wood to be repurposed, recycled and reused, which in turn provides environmental benefits. In addition, an impressive 99 tonnes of CO2 have been saved through the scheme’s use of specialist collection trucks, which use half the fuel of a skip lorry.
The recycling initiative also supports local communities, by working with local people, and helping bring those who are marginalised into a supportive workplace. During 2023, VolkerWessels UK supported the creation of 2 jobs which included full training.
The company’s latest Social and Environmental Impact report from Community Wood Recycling shows that, through the scheme, over 197 tonnes of wood have been collected from several of VolkerWessels UK’s locations across the country during 2023. This not only helps reduce the cost of disposing the wood, but allows for the wood to be repurposed, recycled and reused, which in turn provides environmental benefits. In addition, an impressive 99 tonnes of CO2 have been saved through the scheme’s use of specialist collection trucks, which use half the fuel of a skip lorry.
The recycling initiative also supports local communities, by working with local people, and helping bring those who are marginalised into a supportive workplace. During 2023, VolkerWessels UK supported the creation of 2 jobs which included full training.
“By partnering with organisations such as Community Wood Recycling we continue our commitment to balance the needs of the environment and society alongside our development as a business. Schemes such as this one help us to protect and enhance our natural environment, as we strive towards zero waste to landfill.”
Emma Ward Head of Sustainability and Inclusion at VolkerWessels UK
