Key Environmental Legislation in the Construction Sector
Construction doesn’t just shape buildings; it shapes the environment too. The way materials, waste, and general sustainability are managed on site can make a real difference for the planet and keep operations in line with the law.
This post highlights the key legislation and what it means for everyday site activities.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
This foundational law covers waste, pollution, and environmental nuisances. All businesses that produce, treat, store, or dispose of “controlled waste” must follow the Duty of Care, but its scope also includes preventing pollution of land, air, and water, and managing activities that may cause environmental harm.
Key responsibilities include:
Ensuring that any waste or potentially polluting materials generated on site are handled legally: stored safely, transferred to licensed carriers, and disposed of or recycled at permitted facilities.
Keeping documentation, such as Waste Transfer Notes for non-hazardous waste or consignment notes for hazardous waste and retaining them for the required period.
Avoiding pollution or environmental harm, including fly-tipping, illegal storage, or activities that breach environmental regulations.
Environment Act 2021
Building on the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Environment Act 2021 sets out modern regulatory frameworks and targets for broader environmental protection. This includes:
Resource efficiency and circular economy approaches
Biodiversity and ecosystem protection
Air and water quality management
Climate resilience and greenhouse gas emissions
These Acts make it clear that sustainability isn’t optional anymore. Clients and main contractors expect real, measurable results and construction teams need to show how their work actually meets environmental goals.
Quick Checklist
· Confirm your obligations: Are activities producing waste, emissions, or environmental impacts? Identify applicable legal requirements.
Use licensed waste carriers and approved disposal routes; maintain proper records.
Segregate waste and track reuse or recycling rates; document material flows.
Check for exemptions when using recycled or re-used materials (e.g., U1) and ensure conditions are met.
Ensure contracts include environmental and sustainability responsibilities: clients may require compliance with policies, resource efficiency targets, or circular economy initiatives.
Maintain evidence: Waste Transfer Notes, consignment notes, environmental management plans, permits, and records of resource efficiency or biodiversity measures.
Adopt continuous improvement: reduce material use, energy consumption, and emissions; maximise reuse and recycling; explore circular economy solutions; protect biodiversity. This not only supports legal compliance but strengthens sustainability credentials in the supply chain.
Stay Updated
Environmental and sustainability regulations are constantly evolving. For updates on key legislation, guidance on compliance, or advice on implementing best practices on site, our team can provide expert support and keep you informed of any changes that may affect your operations. Contact us for more information.