ENVIRONMENT
The Dickerson Group of Companies have our own Environment Policy Statement and our aim has always been to work with the environment and not against it. We are the largest producer of recycled aggregates in East Anglia. We have carried out a number of site reclamation schemes which have brought despoiled land back to agricultural or amenity use.
Our 400-acre site at Waterbeach is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. The rough grazing on the restored landfill is home to a variety of plants and animals including bee orchids, barn owls, tawny owls, skylarks and the brown hare. SUSTAINABILITYIn addition to the MBT plant actually recycling more waste, sustainable initiatives are fundamental to its design, construction and operation. These encompass the use of energy efficient light and power systems, sustainable drainage systems, rainwater harvesting and grey water usage and the use of the solar panels on the roof for hot water for the offices and Education Centre. Carbon neutral cladding, part of a CORUS (formerly British steel) offset scheme, has been fitted over the whole exterior of the building, Rockwool insulation has been used throughout the plant and the many kilometres of under floor drainage in the composting hall is made from recycled plastics. The plant is designed to facilitate quick turn around of council vehicles when they drop off the waste to reduce engine idling time. The Education Centre will be furnished with items made from recycled materials, or reused items where possible, to minimise use of virgin materials and act as a showcase for other organisations, and it will help ensure that future generations don’t make the same mistakes that this generation has done. The MBT plant is a major feature of our Waterbeach Waste Management Park. It was winner of the Award for Climate Change at the Royal Town Planning Institute Awards in 2007. Now that construction is complete, planting will begin shortly of over 270 native trees and 3,100 hedging plants around the MBT plant, which will help offset carbon emissions through the power use of the plant, and improve the biodiversity of the site. |
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