Jewson signs waste to energy deal

Builders merchant Jewson has secured a 360° green energy supply initiative.

The new initiative was developed by Jewson in partnership with long-term waste management partner Biffa and sister Saint Gobain Building Distribution companies.

It means Jewson’s site waste will be converted to energy in the form of refuse-derived fuel for generating electricity. Biffa will then provide this volume of renewable electricity, a 3MW base load, to Saint-Gobain for use by some of its UK manufacturing businesses.

Jewson and Biffa have been working together since 2006. In this time a comprehensive recycling programme has been implemented at all Jewson branches and Jewson’s recycling level has increased by 260%.

Inert material, wood, gypsum and mixed materials such as paper and plastics are all recycled in Jewson’s commitment to divert all residual waste from landfill by 2014.

Rod Leigh, sustainability director for Jewson said: “This arrangement is the result of a long-standing relationship between Biffa and Jewson, which will also benefit our sister companies within Saint-Gobain. Companies are encouraged to share environmental best practice across the Group. This particular initiative will provide protection from rising energy prices, while helping Jewson to meet its renewable energy targets through the sustainable management of waste.

“It is increasingly important that businesses break out of their linear mind set and look for opportunities to close the loop, particularly between waste and energy. Jewson is proud to be raising the bar for the construction industry both through high levels of recycling and this innovative energy from waste initiative.”

Biffa Contract Manager Ian Berry says: “At Biffa we work closely with our clients to tailor-make solutions. Our aim is always to save our clients money through the intelligent management of resources. This renewable energy deal is one of a kind and is naturally the next step after maximising recycling across the Jewson network.”