Consigli wins Massachusetts award.

* Consigli Construction Co., Milford, Mass., has received the first Massachusetts WasteWise Construction Recycling Leadership Award for adopting a protocol for the diversion of C&D materials.

Instead of direct disposal of the materials, Consigli incorporates a source-separation strategy and intensive recycling into its construction business philosophy. The company's approach proves that management and diversion of C&D materials can be accomplished efficiently and cost-effectively, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who co-sponsored the award.

Consigli was also cited for its willingness to share what it learned with other companies, which its company representatives have done through presentations such as one at the Construction Materials Recycling Association 2004 Annual Meeting and C&D World Expo in New Orleans. (See "Making Plans," Jan./Feb. 2004 C&DR, p. 22.)

In making the award presentation, DEP Assistant Commissioner James Colman stated, "Consigli Construction has been a terrific partner to the DEP in our efforts to divert C&D debris from landfills. They are demonstrating that a company can improve the environment and their own bottom line through aggressive and strategic recycling and reuse strategies. They are most deserving of our first Construction Recycling Leadership Award."

EPA WasteWise team member Charles Heizenroth added, "EPA is very impressed with Consigli's dedication to recycling C&D waste. We are also excited to be working with the DEP on this innovative state-federal collaboration."

Before the start of each project, a Consigli project manager is required to develop a Waste Management Plan for all waste materials that will be generated during the construction work. The company has set an ambitious goal of recycling or reusing 50 percent of the waste generated at its construction projects. To monitor progress toward that goal, Consigli's Environmental Protection Committee meets monthly and reviews the stares of the waste management activities of each project and of the company as a whole. In addition, Consigli conducts specific orientation and training programs for employees and subcontractors, all of whom are expected to comply with the plan.

Company representatives have worked closely with the DEP in developing "case studies" of various Consigli projects that demonstrate innovative source separation techniques and cost/benefit analysis. The DEP Beyond 2000 Solid Waste Master Plan has a goal of 88 percent reduction of waste construction and demolition debris. In addition to providing technical and financial assistance to companies involved in recycling construction materials, the DEP has issued draft amendments to its Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations to ban the disposal of certain construction materials, including wood, metal, asphalt paving, brick and concrete.

In accepting the award, Matthew Consigli, vice president of operations, said, "Consigli is honored to receive this prestigious award. Our achievements in waste reduction would not have been possible without the sincere efforts of all Consigli employees, our subcontractors and the partnership we've established with the DEP. In addition to benefiting the environment, we have been able to reduce our overall disposal costs, demonstrating that green practices can also be good business practices. As industry leaders, we look forward to implementing even more environmental initiatives in the future."

The "Waste Wise Construction Recycling Leadership Award" is a collaboration between the Masachusetts DEP and the EPA and is given to companies that demonstrate recycling leadership, sustainability and innovation.