Step One: Gathering Information

Information gathering is one of the most crucial steps in the development of a waste prevention programme. Before you begin planning a course of action, you first need to answer some general questions, such as:

• What is already being done?
• What has been done in the past?
• What obstacles might arise?
• What support exists?

Baseline Data

For your data to be meaningful, you need to begin by taking baseline measurements before implementing your programme. A baseline is a measurement of the “before scenario.” It gives you the figures to measure against once the programme is underway.

Accurate baseline data is essential so the type and amount of information you collect for the baseline is dependent on the programme you are delivering.

What to Measure?

What you measure depends entirely on the programme you want to implement and the messages you want to communicate. Measurements need to be understood by a wide audience so they must be meaningful. Examples include:

• Amount of waste per employee or unit manufactured.
• Percentage of waste being recycled.
• Energy consumption per unit manufactured,  employee or per square metre of premises.
• Reduction in paper consumption.
• Litres of water consumed per employee or unit manufactured.
• Current spending on waste disposal or recycling costs.
• Current purchasing costs of relevant raw material.
• Current cost of energy and water consumption.

Measurements can be tailored to your specific programme and can be as simple or complex as you wish them to be.

Where Do You Find the Information?

Gathering baseline data and information throughout the programme will be a time consuming task which may prove arduous. More than one person will hold the information you need and getting historic data so that the green team can assess trends could be testing, you simply don't know till you start. However difficult it will be worthwhile as a successful programme hinges on the quality of the information collected at the outset.   More information is available in the Resources section of the website