What is ReUse?

ReUse has been recognised for some years as one of the most significant elements in improving our environment. Apart from lifestyle gains, it promises sustainability of precious resources for the future. Government and Industry were early to recognise the benefits of environmental and resource management, but until now have not realised the potential return from their substantial investment. Often the capital value is lost along with potential returns from more profitable options.

The term ReUse has already been recognised as a sensible addition to the investment process. When designing and developing a new project, such as plant & equipment, cars, software, laying new pipelines etc, it is still rare for the planned obsolescence to recognise potential ReUse (possibly in an unrelated industry). This could be realised by the recycling of a product, by-product, in total or component form, waste, land & buildings etc. One example is where redundant pipelines have been ReUsed for Telecoms and alternative industries.

ReUse believes in maximising the potential of under utilised assets, turning wherever possible, a liability into an asset through alternative uses. The disposal of assets often becomes a forced sale where true values are lost due to a lack of time or knowledge.

Whenever companies are reviewing the use of existing assets, restructuring or planning new projects, increasing sustainable value should be close to the top of the list.