In the current economic climate it is increasingly difficult for construction companies to maintain profit and activity levels. However, it is possible to significantly reduce the impact of the downturn by careful management of costs, improved competitive advantage and effective strategic planning.

Compass works with clients in the sector to improve profitability and competitiveness. We do this by:

• Maximising profits on existing work - by reducing wastage and improving resource and operational efficiency
• Minimising unnecessary costs on future work - by helping to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and reducing the effects of eco-taxes
• Improving competitiveness - by opening up new markets, identifying and capitalising upon new opportunities and promoting increased confidence from investors, bankers, insurers and other stakeholders as a result of demonstrably reduced corporate risk
• Strengthening long term prospects - by helping companies to plan for the increased demand for sustainable buildings, materials and practices

According to the Government's Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the construction sector currently wastes �1.5 billion in unused materials, through over-ordering and poor materials management on site.

The industry as a whole is responsible for around 150 million tonnes of waste each year at a cost in excess of �3 billion. Government figures suggest that nearly 5% of turnover can be converted to profit by reducing wastage. In our experience figures of between 1% and 3% or turnover can be readily moved directly to the bottom line by implementing effective, practical waste management and minimisation measures. Much of this entails very low outlay and shows rapid returns on investment.

Environmental regulation continues to increase in the form of both new legislation and increased economic penalties. COMPASS works with clients to identify and address all applicable regulation. One of our most popular programmes is currently our interactive workshops to implement the recent Site Waste Management Plans regulations. These sessions provide:

• a detailed understanding of the subject for key staff
• tools, which we help to tailor, for clients to use to help the requirements of the regulations

However, dealing with operational matters is only one part of the story. Te secret to securing a strong, long term position will depend upon a robust strategy which properly integrates environmental and sustainability opportunities into business planning and operations. Compass runs a range of interactive workshops, supported by consultancy, for directors and senior management teams to help identify the key issues which relate to the organisation and to develop strategic approaches which can secure short, medium and long term success. Additionally, Compass provides training and consultancy support in a range of environmental and sustainability topics, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).

Environmental and sustainability issues are no longer a luxury item. They are an essential part of business thinking which can, on a day-to-day basis, improve the profitability and prospects of your company. The team at Compass are here to help you profit from a more sustainable business. Contact us on 01772 494487 or via our website at www.compasspd.com.