Environmental Protection

The demolition of a building will always have an effect on the environment. However there are lots of measures and procedures that we can put in place to turn something that is regraded as a negative into a positive.

Recycling and Reuse of materials

As a demolition company, we have committed to reducing landfills by targeting 96% of materials from the site will be recycled.

How do we do this

As part of the pre-demolition planning, we carry out a survey and produce a waste management plan. On-site, materials are separated into the various waste streams as part of the soft strip and demolition process. 

Downwell has also invested in crushing and screening equipment to allow materials to remain on-site for Reuse in the construction phase. This reduces our carbon footprint by minimising vehicle movements to and from the site.

Charity Support

Where possible we will donate materials or articles found on site to charity as part of our recycling.

Protection Measures

Noise, vibration, dust, and vehicle movements impact those living and working close to our projects. For this purpose, we put into place the following:

• Dust Bosses – specialist equipment that fires fine particles of water at the area of demolition
• Dust sprays fitted to machinery – our high reach machines have high-pressure water sprays built into the arm
• Protection scaffolding covered in monarflex
• Noise and dust monitoring equipment – specialist equipment that monitors pre-set levels and sends out warnings to a smartphone if levels reach trigger levels
• Demolition curtains – large curtains are suspended from a crane close to the demolition areas
• Road cleaning provision
• Acoustic blankets fitted to Heras fencing 
• Spill kits

Ecology

There are always considerations when planning and pricing our demolition projects. An environmental survey should be part of any tender package and should include:

• Nesting birds

• Rehoming or protection of bats, newts, frogs, and other wildlife

• Tree, flora, and fauna protection

• Protection of waterways

If this information is not available, we will request it from our clients.

We will work with ecologists on-site under a watching brief to ensure wildlife is protected at all times.

Cycle to work/public transport/van share

Downwell encourage our workforce to use public transport, cycle to work and van share to reduce our carbon footprint.

Latest Plant and Equipment

We invest in the latest plant, vehicles and equipment that conforms to the latest environmental standards allowing us to work in Central London.

Environmental Cleaning

Derelict buildings often get infested with Pigeon Guano (droppings) which can cause severe health hazards including Psittacosis and Histoplasmosis. Working with Inner City Environmental, we remove the risks before soft strip work commences. 

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance, commonly used in construction before 2000. It comes in many forms.

Buildings built before 2000 require demolition and refurbishment surveys. Inner City Environmental is ARCA accredited and will remove any asbestos materials in a building before demolition commences.

They can also arrange demolition and management surveys on behalf of our clients.

All our operatives are trained in asbestos awareness.

Environmental Charities

Downwell support the Essex Wildlife Trust.

Environmental policy

Download our policy statement