Sustainable Waste Management at The 11 Monument Building

Introduction

The 11 Monument Building, located at 11 Monument Street in London, is a ten-storey commercial development that blends modern office and retail spaces with historical significance. Completed in 2016 and developed by Skanska with design by Make Architects, the building offers approximately 8,000 square meters of office space and 370 square meters for retail use. Its striking architectural design, featuring twisting anodised aluminium fins, enhances natural light while minimising heat gain. With a green roof, solar panels, and an intelligent lighting control system, it has earned a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its outstanding environmental sustainability. The building is strategically positioned next to The Monument, a historic landmark commemorating the Great Fire of London, adding to its significance in the cityscape. 

In 2024, Aventum, a leading independent specialty (re)insurance group, established its UK headquarters within The Monument Building, reinforcing its reputation as a prime location for innovative businesses. As part of its commitment to sustainability, The 11 Monument Building partnered with Bywaters, a leading waste management and recycling company, to enhance its environmental impact through an effective waste management strategy. 

Tailored Training & Awareness Initiatives

A key element of this collaboration was training cleaning teams and retailers on proper waste segregation and best recycling practices. Bywaters provided interactive sessions and educational materials to ensure that all stakeholders understood the significance of sustainable waste disposal and how to efficiently manage their waste streams. 

To further enhance engagement, waste awareness days were held to educate and involve all building occupants, fostering a culture of responsibility and increase participation in recycling initiatives.

Comprehensive Waste Management Strategy

Bywaters introduced a four-stream waste system at The 11 Monument Building, including:

• Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)
• General Waste (WFI – Waste for Incineration)
• Food Waste Recycling
• Other specialist recycling streams (where applicable)

To ensure proper usage, Bywaters supplied visual signage across the premises, making it easier for occupants to correctly dispose of waste, reducing waste contamination and increasing recycling rates.

Dedicated Full-Time Waste Operative

A full-time dedicated waste operative was assigned to the building, responsible for maintaining the efficiency of the waste management system. Their role includes: 

• Monitoring waste segregation at disposal points 
• Assisting tenants and cleaning teams with recycling procedures 
• Ensuring bins are correctly used and waste contamination is minimised 
• Providing feedback to Bywaters for continuous waste management improvements 

Personalised Waste Audits & Reporting

Bywaters conducted waste audits for all nine occupiers within the building, analysing their waste generation habits. Each occupier received a personalised report outlining key findings and tailored recommendations to further enhance their recycling performance. These audits have been instrumental in identifying areas for improvement and reinforcing sustainable waste practices. 

Results & Impact

As a result of these initiatives, The 11 Monument Building has successfully achieved an 79.6% recycling rate, processing 58.906 tonnes of waste out of a total 73.981 tonnes generated. This effort has resulted in 33.744 tonnes of CO₂ savings, significantly reducing the environmental impact of the building. The outstanding success of this program underscores the effectiveness of comprehensive training, dedicated waste management support, and continuous tenant engagement in fostering a sustainable workplace environment. 

Bywaters remains a committed partner in The 11 Monument Building’s journey towards sustainability, ensuring that industry-leading waste management practices are upheld across all occupiers. With ongoing waste audits, tenant collaboration, and tailored recycling programs, The 11 Monument Building stands as a benchmark for sustainable commercial property management in London. 

Conclusion

The partnership between The 11 Monument Building and Bywaters serves as a strong example of how commercial properties can integrate sustainable waste management practices effectively. Through structured waste segregation, dedicated team members, and continuous engagement, the building has significantly reduced its environmental footprint. Moving forward, Bywaters and The 11 Monument Building will continue to refine their waste strategies to ensure even greater sustainability, setting a precedent for other commercial properties aiming to achieve high recycling rates and minimal waste impact.