Guest: Nigel Eastham, Founder of Sustainability YardIntroduction: Welcome to Rethink What Matters, the podcast dedicated to aligning the economy with ecology for improved business performance, stronger families, and a greener planet. In this episode, host Paul speaks with Nigel Eastham, founder of Sustainability Yard, a platform designed to tackle the problem of excess building materials and promote a no-waste revolution within the construction industry.Key Discussion Points:The Problem of Excess Waste: Nigel highlights the alarming statistics: every year, 420 million tons of building materials are purchased, with around 121 million tons—nearly 25%—ending up in landfill. This waste not only harms the environment but also presents a significant loss of valuable resources. Nigel shares his journey from property development to founding Sustainability Yard, driven by the need to address the enormous amounts of reusable materials discarded in the industry.Sustainability Yard Explained: Sustainability Yard is a platform where individuals—from DIY enthusiasts to large contractors—can buy, sell, or give away surplus building materials. The platform operates on a simple principle: facilitating reuse instead of disposal. Users can quickly upload materials they no longer need, making it easier for others to find quality building supplies at a fraction of the cost.User Engagement and Impact: Over the past couple of years, Sustainability Yard has gained traction, boasting nearly 20,000 users across the UK. Nigel discusses a remarkable story featured in The Telegraph about a landlord who renovated a rental property without spending a penny on materials, illustrating the platform's real-world impact. By connecting surplus materials with those who need them, Sustainability Yard supports both the local economy and sustainability efforts.Tracking Carbon Footprint: A recent feature on the platform allows users to track the weight and embodied carbon value of materials. Nigel explains how this transparency not only helps users demonstrate their sustainability efforts to clients but also positions them competitively for tenders, as companies increasingly face pressure to manage waste responsibly.Future Aspirations and Legislative Support: Nigel recently met with Baroness Natalie Bennett in the House of Lords to discuss the potential for broader adoption of their initiative. This recognition underscores the value and need for solutions like Sustainability Yard in addressing construction waste on a national scale.Community and Quality Assurance: Sustainability Yard functions as a classified ads platform, similar to eBay, but specifically for building materials. Nigel emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality listings, as most materials come from reputable contractors who ensure they meet certain standards.Business Model and Growth: The platform operates on a unique business model where larger contractors pay to use the service, while DIY users access it for free. This structure encourages maximum participation, ensuring a vibrant marketplace for surplus materials.Guest Quotes:“We're doing a good thing for every demographic of user.”“We want to stop these materials from going into skips before they reach that stage.”“Ultimately, our goal is to create a sustainable future where reuse becomes the norm.”Conclusion:Nigel Eastham's passion for sustainability shines through as he discusses the innovative work being done at Sustainability Yard. By tackling the issue of excess building materials, the platform not only supports eco-friendly practices but also empowers individuals and businesses to take responsibility for their waste. Join us as we continue to explore transformative ideas that align economic growth with environmental stewardship.