In recognition of its commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices, General Demolition has been named as a finalist in this year’s Considerate Constructors Awards. General Demolition has been shortlisted for the Best Resource Management Award at the 2024 Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Gala Awards.
Taking place on 20 November 2024, the CCS Gala Awards will bring together industry leaders who are shaping the future of construction. Being shortlisted for this prestigious award reflects General Demolition’s outstanding resource management strategies, which together set a benchmark for sustainability within the demolition and construction sectors.
The Best Resource Management Award recognises companies that excel in circularity, minimising waste, and reducing resource consumption through measurable and innovative practices. As a finalist, General Demolition’s nomination underscores its leadership in responsible resource management and commitment to driving a circular economy.
“At General Demolition, we view every material as a resource, not waste,” said George Stainton, Director of General Demolition.
“Our commitment to reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices is present in every project we engage with. Being shortlisted for the Best Resource Management Award at the 2024 Considerate Constructors Scheme Gala Awards affirms our role as a leader in transforming how the construction industry approaches resource management.”
Reinventing resource management
When it comes to sustainability, General Demolition doesn’t just meet industry standards – it sets new ones. Boasting an impressive 98% recycling rate, the company employs advanced resource management techniques, including a soft-strip dismantling process that separates materials at the source, reducing the need for further downstream sorting. In addition, its dedicated recycling facility in Walton-on-Thames ensures that virtually all non-hazardous materials are diverted from landfill.
The company operates owned storage facilities where salvaged materials are carefully kept for future reuse. While materials may await their next life, the GD team doesn’t stand still, instead benefiting from regular sustainability training, including courses provided by the BRE Academy.
Further enhancing its commitment to circular economy principles, General Demolition uses digital material passports and pre-demolition audits, developed in partnership with reuse specialist Material Index. These passports allow valuable resources to be tracked and reintegrated into future projects, ensuring ongoing sustainability throughout the supply chain.
Making sustainability the standard
With an extensive portfolio of sustainability driven projects under its hardhat, General Demolition has been reimaging industry standards with various initiatives. One of its recent projects demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable resource management, including successfully diverting 8.6 tonnes of carpet tiles from landfill, as well as repurposing 14,000 m² of material in collaboration with Envirocycle London. Additionally, 170 tonnes of raised access flooring were reused, reducing the need for new materials. The company also donated 21 stainless steel units to Reyooz, saving 6,854 kg of CO2 emissions, and contributed 14 white goods to St. Catherine’s Hospice while repurposing a full commercial kitchen for a local food bank.
Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability within this project, General Demolition crushed 865 tonnes of mixed hardcore for recycled aggregate and retained specialty equipment for future use across the estate. The company proactively repurposed 93.34 tonnes of timber, with some donated to non-profits, and recycled 114.64 tonnes of insulation.
Other projects, such as the one at Belgrove House, also showcased impressive sustainability efforts, with more than 60,000 bricks salvaged from a former bus station. As for its work at 40 Argyll Street, General Demolition partnered with Saint-Gobain’s Glass Forever Programme to salvage 66.54 tonnes of glass. This ultimately prevented 46.57 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and facilitated extensive repurposing of other materials. But it doesn’t stop there, General Demolition also oversaw the recovery of 120 tonnes of steel for future use at Queensway Croydon, a move that aligns with its zero-waste goals.
Find out more about the award nominations here: www.considerateconstructors.com
