Hewden, the UK's number one equipment rental provider, is urging the construction industry to use World Environment Day (5th June) as a catalyst to initiate environmental best practice schemes.

To coincide with the day, Hewden is providing construction companies with a series of "top tips" that demonstrate quick and easy ways in which businesses can play a part in reducing their environmental footprint.

Martin Williams, Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Hewden says: "We know from continued communication with our customers and suppliers that they regard the environment as a very serious issue, but many don't know where to start. These top tips are designed to introduce people to the concept of sustainability and allow for some small steps to be made toward reducing a significant environmental footprint."

Hewden's environmental top tips include:

• REDUCE energy usage and bills by ensuring that all electrical appliances are switched off and not left on standby. Install energy efficient boilers, lagging and lighting throughout
• REDUCE fuel consumption by implementing a lift share scheme for site staff and don't run equipment unnecessarily
• REDUCE the amount of waste produced by minimising the amount of packaging used on materials
• REUSE waste materials for other applications. Some waste materials can be used for insulation or even landscaping. By reusing waste material, waste becomes a substance of value
• REUSE packaging by sending it back to the supplier or by using it to package other equipment
• REUSE old tyres from plant and commercial vehicles to help form community facilities such as playgrounds
• RECYCLED materials can be used in the manufacturing of a number of high grade construction products such as the use of recycled glass in bricks and insulation
• RECYCLE all waste streams that can not be avoided or reused. This prevents taxes being imposed for sending materials to land fill (set to increase by £35/tonne)
• RECYCLE from the top down. As well as recycling materials on site, head offices can play a part by recycling paper and other waste products

Hewden's Top Tips, plus further environmental best practice advice will be published in poster and booklet format and will be available for download from Hewden's website at the end of June.

Any companies that would like to receive hard copies of the poster and guide can request copies by emailing hewden@kinrossrender.com