This report from the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, Waste Reduction (HC 163-I) , focuses on how waste material in the industrial, commercial, and construction sectors could be reduced and the impact of consumer choice in influencing these sectors. It is divided into eight chapters that include: Introduction, Waste in Context, Design, Innovation and Technology, Manufacturing, Construction and the Impact of Downstream Factors, The Consumer Perspective, Waste Reduction as a Business Opportunity, Taking the Lead, and Summary of Recommendations.Following are the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations include: some companies have shown that significant reductions in waste are practical and profitable but many businesses fail to recognise the costs of their waste, do not factor this into their design briefs, and do not understand how to improve production processes; the government should take the lead in working with the Design Council, the Higher Education Funding Council, design schools, industry and professional bodies to ensure that sustainability and an understanding of the costs of waste are embedded into the design curriculum; and, industry must take more responsibility in tackling waste. Big businesses can take the lead by demonstrating the profitability of waste reduction measures and demanding good practice from their suppliers.The conclusions and recommendations also include the following: simple methodologies should be developed to allow businesses to analyse the lifetime implications of the materials, products or services they produce; clear guidance, knowledge transfer and leadership within the business community, particularly for the benefit of small businesses, is needed; the UK’s high rate of wasteful consumption must be reduced and addressing consumer behaviour will require a combination of education and encouragement; and, comprehensive data on various waste streams should be gathered to enable the formation of an overall strategic direction and appropriate policies.
