Sustainable Consumption and Production

4NW are undertaking a project to develop a regional sustainable consumption and production framework.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) publish annual data on progress against national sustainable development indicators. Key findings published in January 2008 for the Northwest of England include:

  • The Northwest is responsible for 13% of the waste produced by England. This consisted of 24 million tonnes from construction and demolition, industry and commerce, municipal and household waste.
  • 41% of all waste is disposed of by landfill and 45% recycled. 1% is used for energy recovery.
  • Each person in the Northwest produces on average 544kg of waste. This is the highest regional average (all England average 511kg).
  • Household waste recycling rates are the fourth lowest in England. 29% of household waste is recycled compared to the England average of 31%.

Household Waste Per Person

Water consumption

  • Household water consumption is amongst the lowest in England and Wales. United Utilities reported a daily use of 142 litres per person whilst the average for England and Wales was 148 litres in 2005-06.
  • Total estimated abstractions from non-tidal surface waters and groundwaters between 1995 and 2005 is shown below

Water use in the Northwest

Further details can be found at:
www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/progress/regional/index.htm