Sunbelt Rentals is proud to have partnered with The Rebuild Site, a social enterprise dedicated to preventing surplus construction materials from becoming waste and putting them to good use.
The construction industry drives 6% of UK GDP while contributing 60% (140m tonnes) of all UK waste — this equates to £6bn lost value from a £100bn annual industry turnover*.
The Rebuild Site was set up with the purpose of rethinking how to better use materials, reclaim materials that are currently being thrown away or downcycled, and reuse as much excess and ‘nearly-new’ materials as possible. They take surplus materials to provide them to community groups and charities to help with their projects, as well as selling the items at reduced prices to the local public and trades.
Sunbelt Rentals played a key role in helping The Rebuild Site move their operations to a larger capacity area enabling them to increase their space for storing and distributing materials that otherwise would have become waste, as well as have the space for new circular economy initiatives. Sunbelt Rentals assisted with the planning, producing site surveys and blueprints for the new location, and provided equipment and hands on support to fully renovate and prepare the new section.
Sarah MacGregor, Social Impact Manager from Sunbelt Rentals said: “We’re thrilled to help boost the capacity and infrastructure of The Rebuild Site, as the landmark project provides part of the solution for the construction industry to work towards zero avoidable waste in a unique and socially conscious way.”
In the short time, they have been up and running The Rebuild Site has already supported over 20 community projects making a significant difference to those living in the area local to our Cumbrian depots. This outcome, alongside the environmental benefits of the project, is extremely powerful.”
Emma Porter, Rebuild Site Director commented: “The support from the Sunbelt Rentals team to help get us moved into a bigger space has been amazing. Expanding our operations will enable us to support more community projects, to prevent more usable materials going to waste and to continue to drive the adoption of circular economy practices. Positive, practical and encouraging throughout, Sunbelt Rentals have thought of things we wouldn’t have considered, planned the move, provided tools, materials, volunteers and support. Thank you!”
This marks a fantastic start to the partnership, and we are in great company as the social enterprise has attracted the support of many industry peers, clients and local government supporters such as Cumbria County Council, Story Contracting, Story Homes, Travis Perkins and Wickes.
*source: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/design_for_a_circular_economy_web.pdf
