Recycling recognition for the UK's Downwell Demolition

Downwell Demolition has gained the UK's Construction Recycling Alliance's 2011 Recycling Contract of the Year for the work it carried out during the redevelopment of the Leavesden film studios, home to the Harry Potter and James Bond Goldeneye films.

During the work, seven buildings were stripped of ceilings, roofs and existing soundproofing to make way for new structures. Downwell dismantled the scaffold framework in the high ceilings of the film sets for reuse elsewhere on site. In addition, 20,000 cubic metres (706,330 cubic feet) of concrete waste was crushed, screened and stockpiled on site for use during the redevelopment work. All other materials - wood, metal and plastics - were segregated and recycled, resulting in a final recycling rate for the project of 97%.

Director Matt Philips said: "I am really pleased to accept this prestigious award on behalf of all the entire Downwell team. The Leavesden project was challenging in many respects and our team of operatives and labourers not only worked hard on completing what was asked of them on time and on budget but also excelled at reusing and recycling waste materials arising from the work. The award also acknowledges Downwell Demolition's on-going investment in recycling equipment with our latest machine, a Sandvik jaw crusher, used to good effect throughout the project."