A pioneering scheme to create a pathway to net zero carbon emissions for a North Yorkshire industrial estate is providing a viable model for decarbonisation in rural industrial estates. The Decarbonising Dalton project was supported with funding from Innovate UK and match funded by Dalton Business Partners, carried out a 12-month feasibility study at Dalton Industrial Estate near Thirsk. The study examined emissions associated with power, heat, transport and the circular economy, developing strategies to reduce them effectively. The study provided individual assessments for each business on the estate, resulting in a tailored action plans to achieve net zero while minimising the need for carbon offsetting. The initiative was delivered in five key phases: business needs assessments, quick-win reductions, shared onsite opportunities, offsite interventions, and collation and knowledge sharing.  Following the circular economy work package undertaken by Reusefully (which focused on the individual business’ material procurement needs) the Dalton Industrial Estate Exploitation Plan highlights that in 2026 partners should promote industry symbiosis across the estate. The Plan highlights how businesses can collaborate to agree on common material requirements, enabling them to share resources more efficiently. By aligning their procurement strategies and identifying opportunities for material reuse, businesses can significantly reduce waste and reliance on external suppliers. This cooperative approach would not only enhance sustainability but also create a more resilient and interconnected industrial ecosystem, driving further progress towards the Estate’s decarbonisation goals.

Black Swan is a 191,000 sq. ft warehouse and office space owned by Aviva Investors, which is currently undergoing refurbishment including the removal of internal finishes such as carpet tiles and ceiling tiles, some internal doors, lighting and MEP equipment, the large 3 storey mezzanine, and warehouse racking.

Read about some of the latest projects we're undertaking and the organisations we're collaborating with.

Maconda, the providers of the ROMULUS digital platform, and Reusefully, the leading provider of pre-deconstruction/pre-demolition audits, are collaborating to drive the circularity of construction projects in London and beyond.

The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) held its second Reuse Summit at the Building Centre, London on 14th November. The Summit is part of ASBP’s targeted effort to champion circular economy throu gh its Reuse Now campa ign which is supported by Reusefully. This initiative promotes the reuse of construction materials and aims to enable uptake of reuse through collaboration and the creation of practical resources. Harriet Couch of Reusefully provides a summary of proceedings.

Gilli Hobbs reflects on the year that is coming to an end, and decades of trial and error that can instruct the disruptive thinking and innovation we need to embrace in 2025.

An Innovate UK-funded research project is aiming to create an ambitious new platform to enhance circular economy in buildings. BuildAudIt is a one year collaborative programme that will develop a proof-of-concept platform for AI-enabled ‘digital twins’ of existing buildings – enhancing the circularity potential of the existing building stock by digitising them as ‘material inventories’.

Reusefully, in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and key stakeholders, provided the circular economy work package as a part of an innovative project to decarbonise Dalton Industrial Estate in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. The project, funded by Innovate UK, aims to develop a credible and actionable route to Net Zero by 2040. Harriet Couch of Reusefully writes ..