The Civil Contractors New Zealand Environmental Guide, which provides contractors with environmental support and advice across all stages of a construction project, is now available for download and pre-order.

Designed to clearly outline the environmental requirements behind civil construction work under New Zealand law, the guide is an at-a-glance resource with straightforward, practical information to help contractors meet their environmental responsibilities.

CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock said the association had worked extensively with members and partners to develop the guide as a dependable national resource.

“The guide is a good reference point on managing, controlling and minimising environmental impacts. A contractor can just throw into the cab of their ute and refer to it when needed,” Mr Silcock said.

“There are a lot of regulations and processes for civil contractors to be aware of when it comes to protecting the environment. This guide will be an important tool for the civil construction industry and invaluable for workers to make sure they are not missing any crucial steps."

The booklet reflects the critical importance of environmental protection within the civil construction industry. it is divided into three categories: land, air and water. Within each category, there is information and advice on identifying risks and applying controls across the phases of a job – site planning, preparation and works.

From advice when working on heritage and archaeological sites to controlling erosion and sediment, the guide is created in line with the Resource Management Act, the Wildlife and Fisheries acts, the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act and Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

The nationwide Environmental Guide has been in the pipeline for some time and builds upon an earlier version that was developed by the CCNZ Canterbury Westland branch as part of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team, established in 2011 to rebuild Christchurch’s earthquake-damaged infrastructure.

The 78-page preliminary version of the new guide is available for download on the members’ section of the CCNZ website. The guide will undergo a final revision before its first print run and will then be available on the online shop for purchase.

CCNZ members can pre-order a hard copy of the Environmental Guide for $25 each, plus GST. To pre-order, email info@civilcontractors.co.nz  with ‘Environmental Guide pre-order’ in the subject line before 9 April and include the number of copies you want to order. The guide will be available to non-members and the public for $100, plus GST.