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The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has developed a one-day ‘Waste Smart’ course in conjunction with Defra and other key bodies including the Environment Agency and training organisation WAMITAB.
The course is designed to meet a recognised need for cost-effective training for businesses across a wide range of sectors to help them implement more sustainable practices around waste and resource use.
The guidance on offer feeds into one of the core aims of a responsibility deal launched in 2011 between Defra and the Environmental Services Association, on behalf of the waste industry.
The document highlighted a commitment to working with partners including CIWM “to raise businesses’ awareness of their waste responsibilities and provide signage to specific new services or changes”.
According to CIWM chief executive Steve Lee, the course will help those companies looking to capitalise on resource-led opportunities while improving environmental performance and compliance.
“In addition to the financial impact of waste, businesses also have a responsibility to comply with waste legislation and are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of demonstrating responsible and resource efficient practices to their customers and supply chain partners,” he commented.
The course effectively replaces CIWM’s Waste Awareness Certificate, which has been awarded to around 13,000 delegates over the past 10 years.
It will be offered both at foundation and advanced levels, acknowledging the different needs of those with frontline waste responsibilities.
As well as covering a basic overview of what is meant by ‘waste’ and ‘resources’, the course will also examine the environmental impact of waste and the visible and hidden costs associated with it, and the relevant legislation that governs how waste must be handled and managed.
Meanwhile the advanced version of the course includes modules on waste auditing and strategic management. More information can be found here.
Maxine Perella
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