WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING


management company. “It’s a simple concept”, continues


Julian “however one that must be embraced at the planning phases as it is an integral part of any new development’s infrastructure. Given the increasing demand to meet waste targets, Envac provides a feasible and cost effective solution that can meet the needs of a wide spectrum of projects. People no longer have to live with smelly and unsightly bins. Nor do they have to negotiate large waste collection lorries that pump out large volumes of carbon dioxide, hold up traffic and can often be dangerous.” The fact that it addresses so many issues explains the willingness of developers, urban planners, architects and housing managers to adopt the system. So, with a widely acknowledged success under its belt, what is next for Envac? “Envac is approaching a critical stage in its UK tenure”, explains Julian. “We’re currently in talks with Brent Council to install the system at its new Civic Centre in Wembley, which will be the UK’s first ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rated building. If it goes ahead, it will also connect into Quintain Estates and Developments’ wider


TO WEMBLEY Wembley City Envac system.”


The system has also been chosen for the Surrey Canal Triangle site, which will see waste collected using Envac’s underground network being used to generate heat and power in conjunction with SELCHP, the neighbouring Deptford power plant.


Whilst Brent Council’s Civic Centre is an impressive 40,000 sq m site that will cater for over 2,000 of the Council’s staff, at over 120,000 sq m, it will be the Surrey Canal Triangle that provides affirmation that Envac is here to stay.


The site incorporates Millwall Football Club, three main parks and on completion, it is expected to provide 2,700 homes – a number that will benefit from the efficiencies of scale Envac delivers. With a further 2,000 jobs expected to be created in the area it is easy to see why automated waste collection would be welcome here. Furthermore, partnering with SELCHP to generate fuel from waste could help the development provide a truly sustainable loop achieving benefits at an economic, social and environmental level. The consultation process has already succeeded in making residents aware of


the advantages associated with a vacuum waste system and its ability to link in with a power plant. A recent presentation to the local community saw an Envac inlet with a light bulb above it that switched on when rubbish was placed in the chute. “Engaging the communities in which Envac operates is essential as it makes future generations aware of how they can contribute towards a sustainable society”, adds Julian.


It is also essential that the


sustainability benefits of Envac over the lifecycle of the development compared with traditional waste collection methods are clear. Increasing waste targets are placing more pressure on councils however the current economic climate has replaced the desire to go green with a need to get back in the black, which represents an even greater issue. “The economy unquestionably has a long way to go before it stabilises but we must not forget that a crucial component of what Envac does involves making it possible for people living in flats to recycle their waste. The days of convincing people that recycling is essential are over. People know what they’ve got to do however they need the tools to do it and it has to be a


convenient solution for them. Envac addresses this head on and that is a compelling long-term feature.” The regeneration of Brent Cross Cricklewood, which will see the development of 7,500 new homes, new schools and community facilities, has also featured Envac as the proposed waste strategy in the recently granted planning permission. Initial research suggests that 40 per cent of household and 60 per cent of commercial waste will be recycled as a result.


It is clear that Envac’s presence in the UK has moved beyond the conceptual and is now being considered by many as a practical and cost effective solution. Taking into account the scale of current and future projects it would seem that, like the UK’s waste targets, Envac is growing. It has proven to work well and delivers a win-win solution for everyone involved, from the architect right through to the end user. Traditional waste collection has been with us for three centuries however will Envac be around for the next three? Based on current successes and its potential to irrevocably transform the landscape of waste collection the answer is unquestionably, yes. www.envacgroup.com


SUSTAINABLE FM | DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 |65


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