Marketplace on a mission to cut construction landfill

The construction industry is responsible for 32% of the UK's landfill waste, with some £1.5 billion wasted in surplus materials each year. The industry has widely adopted a 3Rs approach to waste, looking to Reduce, Recycle and Reuse, but while progress is being made in the first two elements, businesses are still slow to utilise the huge amount of reusable materials that currently go to waste.

An innovative new platform is on a mission to change that and create a more sustainable future by diverting leftover building materials back into new projects. Enviromate is a marketplace that connects tradespeople, construction companies and DIY enthusiasts, enabling users to easily find and trade surplus materials with others in their local area. The progress they are making on their eco-friendly mission has now been recognised by The Guardian, who have shortlisted Enviromate for their prestigious Startup of the Year 2015-16 prize.

By cutting down on waste, Enviromate is not only working to make the construction industry less destructive, but it also provides the following benefits for tradespeople:

• Save on tip fees: Rather than pay fees to dispose of any excess materials, Enviromate allows you to recoup some of your initial outlay.
• Save on storage: Not only does Enviromate reduce the need for garage and warehouse storage, it also provides a platform to clear out and cash in on the unwanted materials left over from previous jobs.
• Save on materials: Pick up professional quality materials that other tradesmen no longer need at a fraction of the price.
• Save the environment: Reduce your own environmental impact by cutting down on landfill and reducing the overall need for the extraction of more vital raw materials.

Founded in 2014, Enviromate is the brainchild of young entrepreneurs Reiss Salustro-Pilson and Nigel van Wassenhoven. After seeing the level of wastage and environmental impact of the construction industry, they set about building a platform that would encourage a more sustainable approach to construction, reducing landfill and moving to support a circular economy.

Adapted from press release by Joseph Green

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/06042016/marketplace-mission-cut-construction-landfill-833/