WRAP's portfolio has been widened following the launch of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. The fund has been set up to reduce the environmental impact of primary aggregates extraction. The 70 million fund is being financed by the 1.60/tonne Aggregates Levy, which came into force on April 1 2002 and aims to reduce demand for primary aggregates through research into alternatives and encouraging the recycling and re-use of aggregates.
WRAP will use the 15.5 million funding to overcome the barriers to using recycled aggregates and alternative materials. WRAP now plans to draw up a strategy for the new Aggregates Programme in consultation with Construction Innovation and Research Management (CIRM), a Department of Trade Industry (DTI) programme and aims to set up a programme management team by summer 2002.
Liz Goodwin, WRAP’s director of materials programmes, said: “Around 180 million tonnes of primary aggregates are quarried each year in the UK for road building and construction and 70-80 million tonnes of construction and demolition wastes are generated annually. In addition to reducing demand for virgin aggregates, the aim of WRAP’s work will be to encourage more sustainable construction and demolition practices in the UK.
“National targets have been set for the use of recycled aggregates and the 2006 target of 55 million tonnes will require a three million tonne year on year increase from 2001 levels. This will be a major challenge and the funding which has been made available will enable WRAP to make a significant contribution.”
WRAP's aggregates programme will also focus on industry standards and specifications, the provision of advice and information on secondary aggregates and the establishment of an aggregates forum.
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