Case study: Ethical clearance and reuse – delivering social value and reducing waste
Overview
Ethstat is a UK social enterprise delivering sustainable products and services, reinvesting all profits to support vulnerable people while creating jobs and reducing environmental impact.
Ethstat worked with us on one of our office clearance and relocation projects, which diverted surplus furniture from landfill to local communities, delivering environmental savings and employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
The challenge
Large-scale site clearances can generate significant volumes of waste. Without intervention, much of this material would:
- be sent to landfill
- create avoidable carbon emissions
- miss opportunities to support local communities
The challenge was to maximise reuse while delivering a safe, efficient clearance programme.
The approach
A social enterprise-led model was used to:
- identify items suitable for reuse
- partner with schools, charities and community organisations
- provide employment and training opportunities
- minimise environmental impact
Items including furniture, office equipment and storage were carefully assessed, redistributed or recycled.
What was delivered
Reuse and community support
Donations were made to a range of organisations, including:
Primary schools receiving chairs, stationery, storage and equipment
Community and charity shops supplied with reusable goods
Organisations such as The Salvation Army receiving household and office items
In total:
- 14 charities and schools supported
Environmental benefits
The project significantly reduced waste and emissions:
- 4.3 tonnes of furniture reused
- 40 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved
- 60% lower wastage than expected
Higher-quality materials resulted in fewer breakages, further reducing landfill impact.
Employment and skills
The project supported inclusive employment and training:
- 2,346 hours of Living Wage employment delivered
- 62% of staff from disadvantaged backgrounds
- 12 CSCS cards achieved, enabling access to future construction work
This helped remove barriers to employment and build long-term opportunities.
The outcomes
Reduced environmental impact through reuse and recycling
Increased support for local schools, charities and communities
Improved employment opportunities for underrepresented groups
Delivery of measurable social value alongside operational work
Why it matters
This project demonstrates how infrastructure and estate works can:
- Reduce waste and carbon emissions
- Deliver tangible benefits to local communities
- Support inclusive economic growth
It supports National Highways’ commitment to delivering social value, sustainability, and positive outcomes for people and places.
Key facts
4.3 tonnes of furniture reused
40 tonnes CO₂ saved
14 organisations supported
2,346 employment hours delivered
62% workforce from disadvantaged backgrounds
