CL:AIRE is a UK charity committed to providing a valuable service for all those involved in sustainable land reuse.
We develop training resources, disseminate information and act as a credible resource for all stakeholders, ensuring we remain at the cutting-edge of best practice and innovation.

 

Improving efficiency & raising standards
Improving efficiency & raising standards
Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP), National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Affected by Contamination (NQMS), Asbestos in Soil, SuRF...
Supporting our Members
Supporting our Members
Find out about the benefits of becoming a CL:AIRE Principal or Supporter Member:- Member discounts, Networking, Working Groups, ...
Sharing Knowledge & Developing People
Sharing Knowledge & Developing People
Water and Land Library ( WALL), Continuing Professional development through Training and workshops...
CL:AIRE Membership
CL:AIRE works with its Members to raise awareness and pursue shared objectives in land, water and environmental management by collecting strategic industry information and developing industry initiatives that improve efficiency and save money.
Gas Protection Verification Scheme (GPVS)
The GPVS seeks to raise standards in membrane inspection, verification and reporting and provide confidence that risks associated with ground gases have been adequately managed.
Definition of Waste Code of Practice
The Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP) provides a clear, consistent and efficient process which enables the reuse of excavated materials on-site or their movement between sites.

Find out more...Register of materials...
Make a declaration...
NQMS for Land Contamination Management
The National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management (NQMS) is developed by the National Brownfield Forum to provide visible identification of documents that have been checked for quality.

In 2011 we launched our Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice (DoWCoP) version 2. This featured a significant extension to the scope of scenarios which could benefit from this approach to reusing excavated materials. Since April 2012 over 259 projects have diverted approximately 5,242,128m3 tonnes of excavated material from landfill. This equates to an average of over 20,000m3 per project.

In order to maintain and improve this successful initiative, a new sponsorship opportunity has arisen for the creation of version 3 of the code. With the support from the Environment Agency and the DoWCoP steering group, CL:AIRE will lead the development for this new version. This will be a further significant development of the use and recognition of a best practice framework in ensuring quality products come to the marketplace and waste disposal to landfill is substantially reduced. There has been interest in the DoWCoP framework for soils re-use internationally, so sponsors will get wide coverage as CL:AIRE promotes the finalised version 3 with all its contacts. The aim of the project is to draft documents and undertake the relevant negotiations with the regulators and industry to introduce the  potential extensions and improvements as outlined below.

  • A more streamlined procedure for small quantities of material arising from recovery of soils type materials at permitted facilities (e.g. 1000m3 - 5000m3);
  • An expansion of the scope of the Direct Transfer scenario to include excavated materials that are not clean or naturally occurring (with appropriate limitations);
  • Allow for the reuse of manufactured soils e.g. with the addition of PAS 100 compost, under the DoWCoP if to be blended at site of production, i.e. permitted site already covered for this process under permitted treatment to create soils type products;
  • Qualified Person involvement with particularly large receiver sites e.g. soil treatment facilities on former landfills e.g. threshold approach - declaration following the treatment of an agreed volume;
  • Review the role of the Qualified Person relating to Verification Reports (to provide greater confidence that best practice has actually been followed in reusing the excavated material);
  • Detail the minimum information requirements e.g. Desk Top Study information (particularly for Direct Transfer of clean naturally occurring soils where speed of production is key), tracking system, delivery ticket.
  • Provide greater context of where the DoWCoP fits with other documents / guidance e.g. schematic showing WRAP Quality Protocol / recent Defra guidance on Definition of Waste on “by products”, exemptions and Standard Rules Environmental Permits. Highlight other mechanisms for reuse other than in accordance with the DoWCoP;
  • Provide background and further explanation to Watch-point 15;
  • Expand on the definition of clean;
  • Explain how topsoil is sold as a non-waste; and
  • Storage of excavated material at a source site or alternative facility with no identified certainty of use e.g. good quality material for which a beneficial use would be reasonably expected to be found (including suitable timeframes).


CL:AIRE expects the development work for the above to be carried out throughout 2013. In order to begin this process sponsorship for this work is required upfront. CL:AIRE no longer receives Government funding, as such, project funds must be raised in advance of work commencing.

If your organisation is looking to link to and gain brand coverage with a successful, widely used initiative we hope this offer is of interest. Perhaps your organisation has benefited from using the DoWCoP and you’d like to support its ongoing administration and development. CL:AIRE is not able to support the ongoing maintenance and development of this initiative without the support of the industry. If the DoWCoP is valuable to your organisation please take the time to consider this opportunity.


The Offer -

All previous versions of the DoWCoP have carried branding of organisations who have provided financial assistance. This version will be no different, except that CL:AIRE intends to make supporters logos even more prominent.

Version 2 of the document has been downloaded from the CL:AIRE website nearly 7,000 times since its launch. A further print run of 1,000 copies have also been circulated. There are a number of supporting documents associated with the DoWCoP such as Guidance Bulletin 3 which has been download 1,000 times in the last year. Finally, sponsor logos are also given coverage on all DoWCoP training materials. Since the launch of version 2, CL:AIRE has trained over 300 professionals from the industry.

For this new version of the DoWCoP CL:AIRE requires a minimum of £50,000 sponsorship. This will allow the necessary work to be carried out writing the new version but will also contribute to the ongoing cost of administering the initiative.  To achieve this amount CL:AIRE proposes 5 branding berths be made available with exclusivity provided to organisations from different sectors e.g.

  • x1 berth available for a consultant
  • x1 berth available for a remediation contractor
  • x1 berth available for a house builder
  • x1 berth available for a civils contractor
  • x1 berth available for a government / industry leading organisation or department.


The above suggestions are not fixed, other companies from other sectors may wish to sponsor; this is to illustrate how exclusivity of the branding opportunity will be maintained.

Each berth will be available for a total of £10,000 +VAT. In return for this amount, sponsoring organisations will receive.

  • Their logo’s prominently and located centrally on the front outer cover of the final PDF document;
  • Acknowledgment inside PDF document and a one page A4 advert or comment section within the final version of the document;
  • Logo branding on supporting literature e.g. new guidance bulletin 3;
  • Logo on PDF programme promoting the one day training course;
  • Logo in the PowerPoint presentation delivered to delegates on the one day training course (planned: 9 courses per year, ~ 15 delegates per course);
  • Logo with URL to sponsoring organisation’s website on related pages on CL:AIRE website (approx 4 pages + event calendar pages promoting the DoWCoP training course);
  • A PDF personalised certificate of sponsorship; and
  • Trade press publicity from CL:AIRE press releases announcing the launch of DoWCoP version 3.


Sponsorship berths will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis; if this is of interest to your organisation we encourage you to register an expression of interest promptly with nick.willenbrock@claire.co.uk

CL:AIRE plans to run a DoWCoP related conference in 2013 which as well as providing information on the initiative and its use, will aim to raise further funds. Sponsorship opportunities will be made available relating to this event. Other large, one-off guidance documents might be developed throughout the lifetime of DoWCoP version 3. This agreement would not cover such ancillary documents. Sponsoring organisations will be kept appraised of developments relating to the initiative.

Below is a mock-up of the potential front cover of DoWCoP version 3 to give an indication of the level of coverage expected.

  1. UKHSA human biomonitoring study to include PFAS

    UKHSA human biomonitoring study to include PFAS

     November 2026
    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a human biomonitoring study as part of a programme of work to improve understanding of levels of PFAS and other chemicals such...
  2. Proposed CL:AIRE Third-Party Accreditation Scheme for Secondary Aggregate Production

    Proposed CL:AIRE Third-Party Accreditation Scheme for Secondary Aggregate Production

     October 2026
    Subject to approval by the Environment Agency, CL:AIRE intends to operate an independent third-party accreditation scheme to support implementation of the Aggregates From Inert Waste: Resource Framework. Additional information about...
  3. Save the date for ESS Expo 2027

    Save the date for ESS Expo 2027

     October 2026
    Please put 15-16 September 2027 in your calendars for the return of Contamination & Land Remediation (CLR) Expo, part of the Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo. There is also...
  4. Third International Soil Reuse Forum meeting

    Third International Soil Reuse Forum meeting

     October 2026
    CL:AIRE was delighted to attend the third annual meeting of the International Soil Reuse Forum (ISRF) in Orléans, France, hosted by BRGM. The meeting, held on 22 September, included colleagues...
  5. RBKC publishes guidance for radon in basements

    RBKC publishes guidance for radon in basements

     October 2026
    Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has recently published guidance for radon in basements. The guidance is geared towards developments through planning and building control, but has wider environmental application. The...
  6. Environment Agency consults on draft Resource Framework for Aggregate from Inert Waste

    Environment Agency consults on draft Resource Framework for Aggregate from Inert Waste

     October 2026
    The Environment Agency is consulting on the draft Resource Framework (previously known as Quality Protocol) for Aggregate from Inert Waste. The Environment Agency is consulting on the proposed framework, the...
  7. CL:AIRE's members enjoy networking event and dinner

     October 2026
    CL:AIRE recently hosted two member events, both were well attended with the opportunity to network and develop new contacts. The first event was the third networking event of 2026, this...
  8. Defra publishes updated plans to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking

    Defra publishes updated plans to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking

     October 2026
    Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its updated plans to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking, the benefits of this change, the timelines and impacts. Further information...
  9. SoBRA publishes new guidance on bulk earthworks and ground gas

    SoBRA publishes new guidance on bulk earthworks and ground gas

     October 2026
    The Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment (SoBRA) has published new guidance on bulk earthworks and ground gas. It is available to download for free here.
  10. Defra publishes updated ENCA Guidance

    Defra publishes updated ENCA Guidance

     October 2026
    Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published updated Enabling Natural Capital Approach (ENCA) guidance to bring it in line with current government policy. It is available to...
  11. Defra requests for information on substances proposed as POPs 2026

    Defra requests for information on substances proposed as POPs 2026

     October 2026
    Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has requested information to feed into the draft risk profiles and draft risk management evaluations for three chemical substances proposed as Persistent...
  12. Environment Agency publishes reforms to waste exemption guidance coming into effect from January 2027

    Environment Agency publishes reforms to waste exemption guidance coming into effect from January 2027

     October 2026
    The Environment Agency has published reforms to waste exemption guidance that will be coming into effect from 6 January 2027.  These reforms are subject to parliamentary approval and are expected...
  13. OEP calls for evidence on barriers to nature recovery

    OEP calls for evidence on barriers to nature recovery

     October 2026
    Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has opened up a call for evidence seeking specific examples of actual or potential blockers that prevent, delay or discourage the on-the-ground delivery of nature...
  14. Register for CL:AIRE webinar to support PFAS Remediation Technology Evaluation Framework

    Register for CL:AIRE webinar to support PFAS Remediation Technology Evaluation Framework

     September 2026
    Webinar: 1:00pm - 2:00pm (BST), 21 October 2026 CL:AIRE is hosting a 1 hour webinar on the PFAS Remediation Technology Evaluation Framework. Familiarity with the materials above would be beneficial to...
  15. Environment Agency updates BAT guidance

    Environment Agency updates BAT guidance

     September 2026
    The Environment Agency has updated its ‘Best available techniques’ (BAT) guidance. BAT means the available techniques which are the best for preventing or minimising emissions and impacts on the environment.  The...
  16. UKHSA publishes two new pieces of PFAS research

    UKHSA publishes two new pieces of PFAS research

     September 2026
    UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published two new pieces of PFAS research. One is a rapid review of the health impacts from industrial sources of PFAS, available to download here.
  17. CL:AIRE publishes PFAS Remediation Technology Evaluation Framework and supporting materials

    CL:AIRE publishes PFAS Remediation Technology Evaluation Framework and supporting materials

     September 2026
    CL:AIRE is pleased to announce the publication of the PFAS Remediation Technology Evaluation Framework. The framework was developed by Geosyntec Consultants for the Environment Agency as part of a project...
  18. Three weeks to go until Contamination & Land Remediation Expo!

     August 2026
    We’re excited to be at Contamination & Land Remediation (CLR) Expo in just three weeks, returning to the NEC Birmingham on 16–17 September. Join us for two high-impact days of knowledge...
  19. RemTech Europe and Sustainathon programmes now live

    RemTech Europe and Sustainathon programmes now live

     August 2026
    RemTech Europe, International Conference and Exhibition on land and water remediation markets and technologies is taking place between 14-18 September 2026 and has now published its programme. The first two...
  20. MHCLG publishes new NPPF following consultation

    MHCLG publishes new NPPF following consultation

     August 2026
    The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It sets out the government's policies for plan-making and for making decisions...
  21. National Brownfield Forum July 2026 meeting notes published

    National Brownfield Forum July 2026 meeting notes published

     August 2026
    The National Brownfield Forum July 2026 meeting notes have now been published and are on the dedicated web page National Brownfield Forum. The notes can be downloaded directly here.