Jewson and Biffa strike waste to energy deal

Jewson, part of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK and Ireland, has worked together with long-term waste management partner Biffa and sister companies within Saint-Gobain Construction Products UK to secure a ground breaking 360° green energy supply initiative.

Jewson’s target is zero waste to landfill.  The new initiative will see Jewson’s site waste converted to energy by Biffa, in the form of refuse-derived fuel for the generation of 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.

The initiative will further strengthen the partnership between Biffa and Jewson, at the same time as bringing associated benefits to Jewson’s sister companies.

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.

Biffa Contract Manager Ian Berry comments: “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.”

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.”