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Daniel Hill

What is it you do?
I run the first building materials re-use centre in the UK, Tiger Enterprise Ltd, based in Newhaven.

Why did you pick that?
I have always considered myself an eco-warrior. My previous job was as a land manager for my father's development company in Surrey. While working there, I noticed a huge amount of waste and no environmental solution to it. I thought this problem could be a national one so I did some research. I was shocked to find 90 million tonnes of construction waste is disposed of each year - and 13 per cent of all new building materials are thrown away without being used. I thought something had to be done and I felt I was the person to do it.

What makes you greener than other organisations?
The figures speak for themselves. In the past 12 months we have diverted more than 311 tonnes of reusable unwanted building materials from landfill.

Our service has saved 220 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is the same as a Brighton family of four's carbon footprint for four years. I plan to double this in the next 12 months.

What is your latest green obsession/campaign?
Well, it was trying to save the wood on the beach - but that's all gone up in smoke now... I am working with Transition Brighton And Hove and the Brighton Wood Recycling Project to create an awareness campaign about the effects of waste in the construction industry.

How hard is it to be truly green in Sussex?
I don't like the word "green" but if you want to know how hard it is to be more environmentally responsible, then I think it is as hard as people want to make it.

There are so many good environmental organisations locally, if you just make the effort to find out about them.

What do you think of carbon-offsetting?
If you were fat, you wouldn't expect to be able pay a thin person to lose your excess weight while still stuffing your face with burgers and chips with curry sauce.

What's your guiltiest green secret?
I have to say I do drive a 4x4 - but I need it for work to pull my trailer and I do use bio-diesel. So it's not as bad as it sounds.

What is the biggest thing you have sacrificed to be green?
Currently, I am sacrificing my time. I work seven days a week and when I'm not working I'm networking at environmental events. I don't get out as much as I used to, but then maybe that's not such a bad thing.

Are you a climate worrier or are you more optimistic?
I think it's hard to be optimistic when thinking about climate change so yes, I suppose I am a worrier.

What is your skill for when the oil runs out?
Firstly to say "I told you so" to all those people who didn't listen. Hopefully, by then my business will be successful enough to buy a farm with a horse and you'll see me riding into town.

In a nutshell, what's your philosophy on living a greener life?
I believe we all have to be responsible for ourselves. I try to buy organic and free-range products when I can and recycle everything the council will let me. Overall, I try not to waste anything and only buy what I need for myself and my family.

2:12pm Monday 10th March 2008

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