Buying building and construction materials made from recycled products is proving a popular choice, according to a recent survey of London businesses.

London Remade, the organisation behind the Mayor of London‘‘s Green Procurement Code found that out of the recorded £21,232,000 spent on recycled products, 45% was on building and construction materials.

More than 80 London companies signed up to the Mayor‘‘s Green Procurement Code took part in the survey. Collectively their commitment to buy a range of recycled products has diverted over 375,000 tonnes of waste from landfill.

One example of a company that re-uses concrete and other construction waste for development projects is BAA. It is using large amounts of recycled construction material to build Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Suzanne Worrall, Sustainability Manager from BAA, said: "We are now recycling over 82.5% of our airport construction waste and our surplus is so great we have begun selling our recycled concrete to other companies. Recycling construction waste is bringing BAA clear business and environmental benefits."

Tina Perfrement, Market Development Manager at London Remade, said; "We strive to get across to individuals and organisations alike that there is no point in recycling unless you buy recycled products. By making the effort to change their procurement practices, these organisations have taken valuable steps to ensuring London is well on the way to becoming a more sustainable city. We hope they will inspire others to take up the green procurement challenge."

Other recycled products purchased by London businesses included; paper, which accounted for 20% of the spend, roads and pavements (14.3%), stationery (9.8%), bins, bags and containers (2.6%), manufacturing (2.8%), packaging and storage (1.6%), parks gardens and landscaping (0.7%), street furniture (0.5%), medical/hygiene (0.5%) and water/drainage (0.1%)