The programme helps small and medium sized enterprises across all parts of the industry to identify opportunities to reduce waste and save money through onsite support.

With nearly 50,000 construction enterprises in Scotland and over 4 million tonnes of waste produced in 2014, the construction sector is the single largest waste producer in Scotland.

Becoming more resource efficient will not only be a differentiator when pitching for business, it will also be good for the bottom line. Increasingly those looking to procure construction projects are also demanding higher levels of waste and resource management performance to meet planning conditions, building standards and environmental assessment criteria.

Zero Waste Scotland’s head of resource efficiency, Marissa Lippiatt, said: “Construction is a crucial part of the Scottish economy, but we must acknowledge that it is by far the largest contributor to landfill tonnages too. Recycling performance has improved in the sector over the years but there is lots more work still to be done in preventing the waste from ever being created in the first place.

“For those getting involved in the programme it is a great way to show your commitment to change and we hope to share some positive examples of how Scottish businesses are leading the way in this sector over the coming months.”

Construction enterprises interested in joining the programme can find out more here. For all enquires call the helpline on 0808 808 2268 or email enquiries@resourceefficientscotland.com.

Support is available for projects at all phases of the construction process including planning and design. Delivery will be supported through a range of services including tailored on-site support, employee training, web based tools and technical workshops.

A fund is also available to support the physical implementation of waste prevention measures in the construction and other (commercial & industrial) sectors.

The first of a series of free training workshops will be held on 14 February, hosted at Jacobs’ offices on Bothwell Street, Glasgow. Further workshops are scheduled for Edinburgh and Inverness in weeks commencing 27 February and 13 March respectively. Workshop places will be advertised on the Resource Efficient Scotland website.

The support for construction SMEs in Scotland will be delivered by environmental consultancy, Resource Futures, in partnership with engineering group, Jacobs, as part of the Resource Efficient Scotland advice and support programme, from Zero Waste Scotland.