Community Wood Recycling Initiative
Equans has established a strategic partnership with Community Wood Recycling, a network of local social enterprises dedicated to the sustainable management of residual wood generated from our operational sites.Community Wood Recycling Initiative
Equans has established a strategic partnership with Community Wood Recycling, a network of local social enterprises dedicated to the sustainable management of residual wood generated from our operational sites.
Key numbers
Key numbers
Overview
This collaboration focuses on diverting wood waste from traditional disposal routes and redirecting it into meaningful reuse, repurposing, and recycling opportunities within local businesses and community projects. In 2024 alone, the partnership successfully diverted 34.7 tonnes of residual wood, avoiding approximately 17 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions, thereby contributing to Equans’ environmental and social responsibility commitments.
Challenge
Managing residual wood waste effectively across multiple sites poses significant environmental and operational challenges. Traditional wood disposal methods often result in unnecessary landfill use or incineration, leading to increased carbon emissions and wasted material value. Additionally, there is a need to integrate social value into waste management activities by providing employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups. Equans sought a solution that could address these sustainability challenges while fostering inclusive employment and generating community impact.
Solution
By partnering with Community Wood Recycling, Equans created a closed-loop recycling system specifically for the residual wood arising from its sites. The Community Wood Recycling network collects this wood and reallocates it to local businesses and social initiatives that give it a new lease of life through reuse and repurposing. Moreover, this partnership drives social impact by employing ex-offenders, long-term unemployed individuals, and people facing employment barriers. These individuals receive vital upskilling and work experience, enhancing their employability and supporting rehabilitation efforts. This symbiotic model not only reduces waste and carbon footprint but also strengthens local economies and social infrastructure.
Impact
The 2024 results demonstrate tangible environmental and social benefits delivered by the initiative:
- 34.7 tonnes of residual wood diverted from waste streams
- 17 tonnes of CO₂e emissions avoided - supporting Equans’ decarbonisation goals
- Creation of essential upskilling and employment opportunities for marginalised community members
- Strengthened collaboration with local social enterprises, fostering resilient and circular local economies
This initiative embodies Equans’ commitment to integrating sustainability, circular economy principles, and social value into its core operations, showcasing how operational partnerships can create meaningful outcomes that extend beyond traditional facilities management.
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
