We pioneer nationwide rollout of circular economy platform
We have become the first tier-one contractor in the UK to introduce the Material Index circular economy platform, enabling material reuse at scale both across our portfolio of projects and within the wider industry and helping us to lead the way in circular construction.
Our target is to reach zero waste on sites by 2045, and the partnership with Material Index (MI) is a practical way we’re taking action on that ambition.
Now live across the business and available to all colleagues, Material Index is a digital platform that helps teams identify, track and reuse materials from live demolition, refurbishment and construction projects. By maximising the use of materials on our project sites, the platform supports our commitment to circular construction and also contributes directly to our 2030 Pathways ambitions – reducing waste sent to landfill while cutting embodied carbon.
Material Index also provides better visibility. Real-time analytics show diversion from landfill alongside weight, volume and carbon data, supporting project reporting, BREEAM requirements and evidence-based, purpose-driven decision making across the business.
“At Wates, we’re committed to leading the transition to a truly circular construction industry. Material Index gives our teams the tools they need to identify, track and reuse materials across our business or find alternative homes for them in the wider industry. It’s a practical step forward in delivering our Net Zero 2045 commitment, while helping our customers meet increasingly ambitious sustainability expectations.
“The launch builds on earlier peer-to-peer reuse trials, taking what we’ve learned and scaling it into a business-wide, data-driven solution.
“As the first major contractor to secure an enterprise-wide licence with Material Index, we are demonstrating how reuse is part of everyday project delivery, not the exception.”
Bekir Andrews,
Environmental Sustainability Director
