Project highlights
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15,000 carpet tiles redirected for resale, giving them new life in other projects. 850 acoustic ceiling pads reused with SAS International and 3.5 tonnes of metal ceiling panels sent for recycling. 29 toilets and 17 wall-mounted urinals salvaged and made available for resale.
Circular economy in action: Reclaiming 800 tonnes of material from 40 Argyll Street
Tom Ogden: Precision in demolition
Material Index identified approximately 800 tonnes of reusable items, including carpet tiles, ceiling panels, toilets, and urinals, which were then catalogued for resale or recycling. The partnership allowed a significant volume of materials to be diverted from the waste stream and offered a source of sustainable resources for other construction projects. Through careful planning and a proactive partnership, General Demolition’s efforts yielded substantial environmental benefits: 66.5 tonnes of cullet successfully returned to the supply chain 79.8 tonnes of raw virgin materials were preserved
“The past 12 to 18 months have seen a surge in demand for reuse, driven by both new regulations and changing consumer behaviours,” said Morgan Lewis, CEO of Material Index. But early intervention is paramount to the success of material reuse. Material Index was brought in during the audit stage, allowing General Demolition to carefully deconstruct the building and protect valuable materials. This approach meant that items were matched with eager buyers, supporting the growing demand for reused materials across industries. Projects like 40 Argyll Street underscore General Demolition’s commitment to sustainability and highlights how it is leading the necessary change towards a circular economy in construction and demolition.
General Demolition’s sustainable approach at 40 Argyll Street transformed waste into resources, reclaiming 800 tonnes of materials for reuse. Demolition isn’t just about tearing down buildings - it’s also about uncovering and reusing valuable materials. At 40 Argyll Street, General Demolition recently transformed a former Apple technology hub into a reuse showcase, demonstrating how sustainable demolition can recover resources that would otherwise go to waste. With nearly half of the UK’s waste generated by the construction industry, purposeful projects like this are essential for reducing the sector’s environmental impact. To maximise material reuse, General Demolition collaborated with Material Index, a company that specialises in sustainable material reuse at scale.
Tom Ogden, Operations Director at General Demolition, stands out for his systematic approach and foresight.
Over 15 years, Tom’s career progression from hands-on roles to leadership has been marked by an expanding understanding of the sector’s complexities and a commitment to environmental responsibility. Throughout his journey, Tom’s commitment to continuous learning and development has been evident. Starting as a graduate student, he quickly assumed project management responsibilities, showcasing his aptitude and dedication to his work. His hands-on experience, dating back to his teenage years working on boatyards, has instilled in him a strong foundation in construction and demolition, further augmented by his engineering degree.
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It’s okay to not be okay: boosting mental health support in construction
Tom’s primary role at General Demolition is overseeing business processes to maximise long-term profitability. Additionally, he ensures compliance with environmental standards and best practices, leading initiatives for waste reduction and recycling. Despite having only worked for GD a short while, Tom quickly earned the title of Operations Director, a testament to his leadership skills and knowledge. His responsibilities include leadership and management of all business operational activities, from overseeing project activities spanning pre-construction to post- completion to assisting project teams in resolving intricate logistically hard engineering challenges. In London’s tightly regulated urban demolition landscape, Tom’s effective communication and strategic foresight stand out, enabling him to navigate challenges and exceed client expectations.
Optimistic about the positive impact that advances in technology can offer, Tom sees significant potential for making demolition more sustainable. His openness to change and new ways of working signifies a drive towards aligning industry practices with environmental and client needs more effectively. Tom articulates a vision for the industry: “Setting a precedent for innovation and environmental care is our aim.” This reflects a holistic approach, considering the entire material lifecycle to minimise impact. By championing eco-conscious leadership, Tom’s influence extends beyond achieving project goals, helping to guide General Demolition and the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Employee mental health should be a priority in every sector, but with workers in construction suffering disproportionately, Mates in Mind is committed to improving employee well-being in the sector through targeted support. While a career in construction can be dynamic and rewarding, it can also come with pressures – not least job insecurity and financial and emotional stress. Quite apart from the physical demands a life in construction can present, the sector is working hard to make employee mental health a priority. At the forefront of this is Mates in Mind, a UK charity that is driving positive change in the sector through tailored support and innovative programmes.
A friend in need
“It is essential that colleagues in construction can have open discussions and are encouraged to have that conversation in the first place” General Demolition – breaking down the stigma of mental health General Demolition’s director George Stainton explains: “We fully support the work of Mates in Mind and are actively driving a shift in our workplace culture that prioritises the mental health of everyone we work with. “Our employees feel more supported and empowered to talk about their concerns, which we hope enhances their well- being and – from a business perspective – our overall productivity. Mates In Mind is helping to create a safer, more inclusive environment where mental health is prioritised and openly discussed.”
Hoping to demolish any stigma associated with discussing mental health in the work environment, Mates in Mind encourages employers to implement specialised training processes and embed mental health measures into their processes and systems – ensuring the talk is walked on site. The charity works with bodies like the National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group to advocate for mental health policies, compiling data to encourage government agencies to adopt proactive mental health initiatives. Samantha Downie, managing director of Mates in Mind emphasises the importance of communication in construction:
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