Its with great pleasure we congratulate Sisk as well deserved winners of the Best ESG/Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award at the National Property Awards 2025 held at the InterContinental, Dublin, 27th March.
The National Property Awards is Ireland’s leading property event, which celebrates and champions both individuals and organisations from across the entire property industry.
In 2024 Sisk made a commitment to ensure that all plastic waste generated in their Vantage project at City West, Dublin would be diverted from landfill. Zero waste and circular solutions were already key sustainability objectives for Sisk, recognising the higher environmental, social, financial and carbon footprint costs of landfilling. And this is true for Vantage, who responded enthusiastically and with 100% support of the initiative.
However, recognising that plastic waste can be particularly problematic, Sisk joined the Responsible Plastic Management Program who provide simple to follow journey plans and tools for companies in the construction sector as well as multiple other manufacturing and service organisations.
A 6 point plan was developed, and a small but committed team was assembled. Engaging the supply chain and waste contractors was key to success and fantastic support was offered by Thornton’s Recycling who provided data and insight on plastic types, current technology and traceability documentation. Waste scans were undertaken and awareness campaigns introduced via site signage, internal webinars and key project team members registered onto RPM’s online Plastic Literacy Course, a modular and convenient way of getting the facts and practical tools to progress.
Key activities included a focus on source segregation, vital to ensure that plastics can be sorted into recycling streams before they get mixed, lost and contaminated where their recovery becomes impossible. Bailers for soft flexibles were introduced and compactors for EPS collection, otherwise notoriously problematic to transport and recycle. New solution providers were sought, with Waste Matters and Green Generation, who are dedicated specialist polymer recyclers. RPM Program provided guidance on best practice and verification that diversions from landfill were real and measurable.
Zero Plastic to Landfill is more than just waste diversion, its encourages organisations to reduce unnecessary plastic, allows them to consider alternatives, make practical on site improvements in waste management, segregate out plastics, increase recycling rates and all of which leads to the elimination of plastic from landfill.
Many construction companies are taking on the Zero Plastic to Landfill challenge, recognising that with focus and commitment, they can overcome the initial resistance to change. Achieving zero plastic to landfill is possible, it promotes innovation, enhances environmental performance, increases social value for the construction industry, and benefits businesses.