Brewster Bros

Brewster Bros is a family business specialising in sustainable resource management for the construction industry. Their Livingstone based, state-of-the-art recycling plant, processes construction, demolition and excavation (CDE) waste into industry standard recycled aggregates and other recycled products. These products are sold back to the construction industry, with principal markets including local builders, landscapers, and civil and utility contractors.  

The VIBES 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award recognises businesses who are exemplars of good environmental practice, at a time when tackling climate change has never been more urgent. The judges were impressed with the commitment of Brewster Bros to a circular business model, and their drive to change behaviours within the construction sector made them a worthy winner of this award.  

As a business promoting circular economy principles, they were keen to adopt the same principles within their own business operations. Regular reviews of internal processes have led to a range of improvements being adopted, with more in the pipeline. 

Achievements so far include:  

• Recycling 90% of their process water. 
• Operating a ‘backload’ system, ensuring 80% of vehicle movements (approx. 8400/month) have a backload, resulting in 1000 tonnes of CO2 savings/year. 
• Carried out energy efficiency and fleet reviews, through Zero Waste Scotland and The Energy Savings Trust respectively.  

Through their significant on-going investment, they have experienced a surge in growth, resulting in an increase in staff. Four new full-time green jobs have been created since the start of pandemic, including a Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) manager. This is set to continue as their plans for growth develop. 

Further social benefits have been achieved through Brewster Bros operating an Equal opportunities and diversity policy, being a Living Wage employer and working towards the Scottish Business Pledge. Brewster Bros also supports local charities and voluntary groups, donating gifts and money throughout the year. 

It was recognised that Brewster Bros is committed to continual improvement, working with a range of stakeholders to identify new product opportunities and developing cross-industry learning. An example of this is their Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Heriot Watt University to develop higher value applications for the by-products of their recycling processes.