Andrew Askew

Andrew Askew

A number of reforms and policy updates in relation to the environment, an overhaul of planning and infrastructure procedures, and streamlining of local government are planned for this year.

This includes the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, with the aim of reducing red tape to provide new homes, commercial development and promote sustainable infrastructure. Local Nature Recovery Strategies, currently being rolled out, are also expected to be in place across the whole of England by March 2025. This will see biodiversity steps including the creation of wetlands, restoration of peatlands, planting of trees and hedgerow and more sustainable management of existing woodlands and other habitats like grasslands.

Additionally, a Circular Economy Taskforce was established by the Government towards the end of last year to help put the mechanisms in place to create a circular economy strategy for England.

Achievable solutions for reducing waste in the construction sector

Reuse of materials is particularly vital in the construction sector. The World Economic Forum's 'Shaping the Future of Construction' report indicates that the sector is the world's largest consumer of raw materials, using over three billion tonnes annually.

The sector is experiencing soaring costs for construction materials due to global supply chain disruptions and increased demand, whilst an ongoing shortage of skilled labour puts pressure on project timelines. As it strives to meet the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, set out in evolving environmental regulations, it will need to adapt operations, adopt new green skills and technologies, and explore the use of alternative materials.

Many materials can be repurposed and recycled to create new and exciting products, following circular economy principles. Yet 'Circular Material Use Rate in Europe' analysis by the European Environment Agency published in February 2024 indicates recycled material accounted for 11.5 per cent of material used. This marks a marginal increase of less than one percentage point since 2010.

Practical implementation of policies

How environmental plans are translated into effective action remains to be seen. For policies to be successful, several elements need to be in place including:

1. Engagement of front line implementors: How organisations operating across the recycling and waste management sector, the construction industry, and others who are not on policy taskforces engage on the development of the strategy remains to be seen. There needs to be avenues for them to provide input into planning and policy reforms, as these are the people that will be implementing and delivering on goals.
   
2. Suitable structures in place. To make green infrastructure projects and planning policies work, there must be the right mechanisms and funding in place at operational and local level. After all, its regional businesses and local government that will be tasked into turning this ambition into reality.
   
   We need clearer and simpler application of environmental regulations, to act swiftly and effectively to protect resources, the environment and address climate change. Businesses and developers often face unclear guidance and communication, with challenges presented in red tape, including the environmental permitting process. Increased support for local planning authorities is also essential to advance these new policies. However, research indicates they currently lack sufficient capacity to implement environmental reforms, like Biodiversity Net Gain regulations, effectively.
   
3. Multiple measures need a cohesive strategy: Policies across various departments and sectors need to be aligned and co-ordinated for a cohesive environmental strategy. In fact, a new report 'The Nexus Assessment' from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) raises concerns that what it terms "fragmented governance" between biodiversity, climate change, food, water, and health is putting all of those systems at risk.
   
4. Low cost, low risk carbon solutions: Adopting advanced innovations, like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) systems, can be an expensive undertaking for businesses, especially in the cement and low carbon construction products sectors. This can make organisations hesitant to allocate resources to them at this point, and with shifting environmental regulations, businesses may view this investment as risky and premature. Affordable and low-risk carbon solutions, therefore, need to be made accessible to businesses.
   
   Clay, for example, has immense promise for enhancing carbon reduction initiatives across various applications including the construction sector. The mixed mineralogy within the clay, including illite and kaolinite, is effective in carbon capture and storage (CCS) when used as amendments to soil, helping to sequester CO₂ in land restoration projects. Mineral-rich, clay compositions can be used to enhance the effectiveness of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), thereby easing the transition to greener alternatives in cement production. The pH and mineral content also support diverse microbial ecosystems, promoting biodiversity in reclaimed or restored lands.
   
5. Recycling of materials once deemed obsolete: Innovative methods are being developed to recycle construction and demolition waste, presenting eco-friendly options for future construction material supply. By applying natural, environmentally friendly treatment solutions, valuable resources that were once deemed obsolete can be diverted from landfill. For example, mineral rich material embedded within discarded soil and stone from local construction, demolition projects and waste management facilities can be repurposed for a variety of applications. Tailored blends of mineral rich, clay compositions can be used to improve soil preservation, water management solutions, carbon capture, and in biodiversity projects to improve the growth and health of plants, and more.
   
6. Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with other firms can enhance broader access to shared resources and capabilities, increasing innovation and diversifying risk in CCUS projects, for example.

Future outlook

There are many challenges when trying to practically implement strategies to protect the environment, reduce carbon emissions, adopt sustainable supply chain practices, and green product innovation. Collaboration is key for making change on climate issues -- from the government, to business sectors, and right down to local communities.

Reliable and affordable options must be made available now to encourage quick and decisive decarbonisation strategies. The shift towards adopting repurposed materials is gaining momentum and companies are adjusting their supply chains accordingly. Repurposed materials can also be used as building blocks to create new and exciting products, while at the same time opening up employment opportunities for new technologies, industries, and our communities.

Andrew Askew is owner of MINORE™, which specialises in innovative and sustainable solutions within the mineral sector. Mineral Processing Ltd, trading as MINORE™ specialises in innovative and sustainable solutions within the mineral sector.