Wirral and Liverpool Waters developer Peel L&P is signing up to a charter to slash the use of plastic at its construction sites. Tony McDonough reports

Property giant Peel L&P is committing to reducing plastic across its construction projects including the multi-billion pound Liverpool Waters and Wirral Waters schemes.

The company has become a member of Changing Streams, a community interest company set up by the founder of well-known Liverpool fit-out firm Aztec, Neal Maxwell, along with the University of Liverpool.

It aims to reduce the use of plastics in buildings and throughout the built environment supply chain. The construction sector was chosen as the first because, after packaging, this industry is the largest user of plastics – generating more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste each year in the UK.

Changing Streams acts as the bridge between academia and industry to drive and effect change and reduce our plastic footprint. Its charter, which Peel L&P has signed up to, includes a commitment from members to significantly reduce plastics in the construction industry, whether in design of the building, materials or packaging.

In addition to becoming a member and signing up to the Charter, Peel L&P and Changing Streams are developing a large and pioneering research project at Wirral Waters – one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects with a consented masterplan of 20m sq ft, that is very much in delivery phase. Already under way at the site is Hythe, a new hub for small businesses, plus new modular homes in a joint venture with Urban Splash.

Dr Gareth Abrahams, co-founder and head of building design research at Changing Streams, said: “While the construction industry is one of the largest consumers of plastic in the UK, there have been very few efforts to understand how and why plastic is used in construction and where it may be exchanged for plastic-free alternatives.”

“This partnership between Peel L&P, Changing Streams and the University of Liverpool is the first dedicated attempt to tackle this issue on a large, landmark scheme. Our first project together will be an initial step in a long-term plan.”

Jo Holden, sustainability director for Peel L&P, added: “We understand the importance of action on climate change and the drive to sustainability in everything we do. 

“Working in partnership we are already taking action through smart built environments, low carbon energy solutions, functional green public realm and the promotion of sustainable travel options.”