college extension project

Multi-million-pound college extension project supports circular economy

Project Overview

In January 2022, the first pile was sunk in the ground at the new South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, following a successful bid for an Institute of Technology from Milton Keynes College Group. Ashe Construction, the main contractor on the project, is delivering an extensive refurbishment and extension of the existing Andrew Peck building. Once complete it will provide high-quality digital learning environments, designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all those attending the new institution.

As part of the refurbishment, with sustainability and social value front of mind, Ashe Construction identified a large number of materials that were surplus to requirements. These together equated to more than 1.2 tonnes of materials. To ensure these items were not classed as ‘waste’ and didn’t go through traditional routes of disposal, the team at Ashe engaged with Encore Environment to implement its Project DIVERT initiative, to connect the unwanted items to local charities that could reuse them.

Over 1.2 tonnes of surplus fixtures and fittings diverted to local charities

A successful connection was made with four local charities!

100 ceiling tiles, 20 light fittings, 15 blinds, plug sockets, and dado trunking were delivered to Return MK, a charity that provides a music, multimedia and life-skills service for young people in Milton Keynes. A further 6 noticeboards, and 16 blinds were diverted to Accommodation Concern, a dedicated anti-poverty and homelessness prevention charity, and 10 internal doors were donated to the New Meaning Foundation who build affordable, modern and sustainable homes for people who have experienced homelessness.

In addition, around 100 carpet tiles were transported via Encore Environment to Home-Start Charity in Kettering who identified a family with young children that needed new flooring. “We help families with young children deal with whatever life throws at them. When we visit homes, we often find they are living with no carpet or very tired flooring which can be especially challenging in winter months. These donated carpet tiles will make a huge difference, thank you.”

home start kettering

Rachel Rowley, managing director at Encore Environment said: “We are so pleased Project DIVERT has supported Ashe Construction with this project and ensured these items have stayed in the circular economy to help the local communities. For our client, the benefits of diverting reusable waste is threefold – save costs, save carbon and add social value.

“We are very happy with the outcome”, said Andrew Morris, business development director at Ashe Construction. “We have a strong commitment and approach to ensure we deliver positive and sustainable social, environmental and economic impacts in the communities in which we operate. Thank you to Project DIVERT and Encore Environment for facilitating the diversion of reusable items from the SCIoT project and connecting them to local charities.”

Click the link below to see more figures on this case study.

Project DIVERT – ASHE Construction – Milton Keynes College SCIoT