Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Helping business to be 'smart' about waste and resources
A new course launched by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management will help businesses across the UK to cut their waste costs, comply with all the necessary legislation and become more resource efficient.
The one-day Waste Smart course has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and other key expert bodies including WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the Environment Agency and the Environmental Services Association (ESA). It is designed to meet a recognised need for cost-effective training for businesses across a wide range of sectors to help them implement more sustainable practices around waste and resource use.
"In these tough economic times, waste is becoming an increasingly important and visible bottom line issue," explains CIWM chief executive Steve Lee. "Research from Defra indicates that businesses could save up to £18 billion a year by taking simple and relatively cost neutral steps to reduce their waste.
"In addition to the financial cost of waste, which is estimated to be equivalent to around 4.5% of total turnover, businesses also have a responsibility to comply with waste legislation and are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of demonstrating responsible and resource efficient practices to their customers and supply chain partners."
With recycling and waste reduction targets becoming the norm in the facilities management sector, and new targets and responsibilities coming in through the EU Waste Framework Directive, CIWM will be using the Facilities Show 2013 in May to showcase how Waste Smart can help FM professionals and contractors to meet these opportunities and challenges.
Waste Smart builds on and replaces the Institution's popular Waste Awareness Certificate (WAC), which has been awarded to around 13,000 delegates over the last 10 years. The new course is offered both at foundation and advanced levels, acknowledging the different needs of those with front line waste responsibilities and delegates whose role is shaping and managing waste and resource management strategy. It covers a basic overview of what is meant by 'waste' and 'resources', the environmental impact of waste and the visible and hidden costs associated with it, and the relevant legislation that governs how waste must be handled and managed.
The advanced version of the course also includes modules on waste auditing and strategic management.
More information on the Waste Smart course and CIWM-approved training centres across the UK can be found at:
In another initiative, CIWM and Zero Waste Scotland are carrying out a survey designed to pinpoint ways to help boost Scotland's economy and launch an event that will be shaped by the responses to the survey. They say that the Scottish economy could benefit by up to £2.5bn a year by using resources (energy, water and raw materials) more efficiently.
The team aims to make this the premier event in Scotland for those interested in resource efficiency, recycling and resource management, and the shift to a more circular economy. It will be of interest to resource efficiency professionals in Scotland, the rest of the UK and beyond.
It will be targeted at:
- Recycling and resource management professionals
- Energy and carbon management professionals
- Retailers and brands
- Manufacturers and product designers
- Policymakers and influencers
- Sustainability experts
- Key business sectors (food and drink, built environment, hospitality and tourism)
- Public sector
To help the organisers shape the event and develop a high quality conference programme they are asking Cleanzine readers to take five minutes out and complete the short survey. All entrants will be entered into a draw to win a Kindle Fire.
To take the survey, visit:
T: 01604 620426
E: [email protected]
W: www.ciwm.co.uk
21st February 2013