Sustainability is a big issue in construction as in other industries. Be this in the use of raw materials or the energy and water used in production of construction products, there is progress being made in reducing the impact of construction on the environment. There is also increased pressure on
Supported and third sector businesses operating throughout Scotland are being invited to meet up with some of the country’s biggest building contractors to explore the possibilities for joining the sector’s supply chain. The hub South West partnership is hosting its third annual Hidden Gems supplier showcase as part of its
Developers behind a complex self-build housing project in Cambridgeshire have called on Aggregate Industries for its roofing product solution. Helen and Rob Facer, former owners of Barnack Estates UK Ltd used their expertise to build their own dream home on the rural landscape of Sutton. As with many historic English
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box, you’re going to need to be aware of what pests operate in your area and how to stop them from getting into your house. Many people wait until there is an issue and then call the exterminators.
Sustainability is a big issue in construction as in other industries. Be this in the use of raw materials or the energy and water used in production of construction products, there is progress being made in reducing the impact of construction on the environment. There is also increased pressure on companies to look at the sustainability of supplier products and goods further down the supply chain. Brands are being encouraged to take more responsibility and be more conscious of not only the product in terms of the choice of raw ingredients, which affects carbon footprint, or water and energy usage, but also in the choice of packaging. As we are all aware, one of the biggest topics of conversation currently in packaging is plastic. And we can expect continued momentum with regards to reducing the use of plastic as well as on other resources that play a part in product wrapping and promotion. Recent innovation has meant that there are now options available to manufacturers, new alternative materials that make a statement in support of sustainability as well as doing their job in protecting and promoting the product. Biodegradable packaging and label options such as hemp and grass paper, for example, as well as materials that can be up-cycled i.e. bamboo, glass. For those keen to make a first step in the right direction, then a more eco-friendly label is a good start. Paper products that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified are available which show your labels are made from responsible sources. One of the newest label materials is grass paper. Grass paper consists of 50% sun-dried grass fibre (hay) and 50% FSC-certified paper. Grass paper is made from the rapidly renewable raw material grass, which reduces the use of wood and is therefore particularly sustainable. Grass paper also offers further advantages in comparison to conventional paper. Thanks to short transport times of the grass, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 50%. Water consumption is also reduced by up to 50% and the grass paper is made without the use of chemicals. Grass paper is free of pollutants and allergens and is ideal for companies that value sustainable and compostable materials and want to set an example for the responsible use of our resources. In the industrial sector, labels need to be exceptionally durable, able to cope with outdoor elements, transport and be resistance to solvents, fuels, oils or abrasion. Labels for chemicals must be resistant to particular stresses so that they remain adhesive and clearly legible for as long as the container is in use. At label.co.uk we print roll labels, self-adhesive labels and film labels made from polypropylene and polyethylene which fulfil all the requirements of hazardous substance labelling. Recent developments have led to an additional more sustainable water-resistant label option, this is the use of a waterproof polymer material made from renewable sources such as sugar cane or corn. Digital label printing in itself, when compared with other technologies, is a much more sustainable way of label printing; it reduces print run wastage for the customer, but also due to the ease of setting up the digital press, the printer produces hardly any waste. Digital printing does not require chemically treated plates, it is quick to set up the machine and it only runs as and when required. Thus saving both time and energy. Now could be the time to re look at your labelling to find a solution that benefits the environment as well as saving both time and cost effective.
Supported and third sector businesses operating throughout Scotland are being invited to meet up with some of the country’s biggest building contractors to explore the possibilities for joining the sector’s supply chain. The hub South West partnership is hosting its third annual Hidden Gems supplier showcase as part of its on-going commitment to an inclusive supply chain offering opportunities to local businesses and organisations throughout the area. This year’s event is being held in partnership with hub West, the development partnership established in April 2012 covering the west of Scotland. Featuring 10 organisations with the potential to sell their products and services into the sector, the supplier showcase will be held on Tuesday September 24 at The Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) in Glasgow’s Edgefauld Avenue. From its roots as a supported factory for the visually impaired, the RSBi has grown into one of the country’s leading examples of social enterprise, combining commercial success with socially responsible practices. It is committed to providing opportunities to people with disabilities, as well as helping towards the economic regeneration of the local community and beyond. Wholly owned by Glasgow City Council as part of its City Building limited liability partnership, RSBi is credited as the largest supported business in Europe. It manufactures a wide range of products including kitchens, office and educational furniture, beds and soft furnishings, timber building kits, metal products and storage solutions. “The RSBi is a fantastic example of a business from which the whole of society profits, and is therefore the perfect location for this year’s Hidden Gems event,” hub South West chief executive Michael McBrearty said. “There are many such organisations throughout Scotland providing much-needed employment and support for local people, and we want to showcase how they can benefit from contributing to the construction industry in general, and in particular to Scotland’s hub programme.” The hub South West partnership was established in 2012 to deliver value for money on public sector community-based infrastructure projects to generate growth in local economies across Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. It is currently processing a general pipeline of £1.1bn of works. Hidden Gems forms part of the regular series of workshops organised by hub Club, the networking initiative of hub South West aimed at engaging local businesses and encouraging them to share their experiences. Events from hub Club are open to all members and aspiring members of hub South West’s Territory Supplier Network. Tier 1 contractors represented on the day at Hidden Gems will include Interserve, Kier, Morrisons, Graham, Morgan Sindall, BAM, CCG and Linear Design & Construct. Registration begins at 2pm and places can be booked here.
Developers behind a complex self-build housing project in Cambridgeshire have called on Aggregate Industries for its roofing product solution. Helen and Rob Facer, former owners of Barnack Estates UK Ltd used their expertise to build their own dream home on the rural landscape of Sutton. As with many historic English locations, the build was governed by a set of strict planning requirements rendering it vital that the choice of construction materials kept in with the overall surroundings. This meant the roofing specification had to complement the traditional stone houses within the area while, of course, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the build. The couple therefore called on the recommendation of their appointed building contractors – who suggested Aggregate Industries’ flagship roof slate, Bradstone Cotswold. “The choice of roofing tile was incredibly important to us – as we wanted to make sure the chosen product suited our style without detracting from the other local homes. However, the other stone houses in the area used roofing slates that are no longer available, so it was difficult for us to find a match,” said Helen Facer, owner of the self-build home. “We were therefore thrilled to have come across Bradstone Cotswold roofing slates. The product is stunning and offers the look of natural stone while offering all the durability of a more modern product. What’s more, the Aggregate Industries team were a huge help throughout – from assisting us in calculating the exact quantity of product needed to providing it within just two-weeks.” Bradstone Cotswold Tiles are moulded from hand-dressed natural stone slates via a unique manufacturing technique specifically designed to recreate the natural beauty of Cotswold natural stone. In total, 374m2 of tiles were specified on the project and installed during October/November 2018. The tiles were readily available in a wide range of sizes and are exceptionally easy and quick to lay, thereby vastly reducing time on the job for workmen – and therefore reducing labour costs for the couple. As recommended by the Aggregate Industries team, the specification for the self-build project also included 13 of Bradstone Cotswold Slate Vents in order to ensure adequate airflow to certain rooms in the home. “As the project needed to conform to specific local planning requirements, it was vital to use products that was in keeping with the area. The Bradstone Cotswold Slates from our range of building products provided the ideal solution, offering an easy-application process, long-lasting performance, combined with a beautiful finish,” added Jamie Stratford, Regional Sales Manager for the South West at Aggregate Industries.
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box, you’re going to need to be aware of what pests operate in your area and how to stop them from getting into your house. Many people wait until there is an issue and then call the exterminators. While this is an effective tactic, it does mean that your house may be damaged before you have the issue dealt with. Termites can eat wood surprisingly quickly and mice can destroy your electrical cables in virtually no time. It’s better to speak to your local pest control firm and get them to help you pest-proof your home, preventing pests from becoming a problem. Here are some easy ways in which you can get started: Clean Your Home Cluster, dirt, food debris, and standing water are all very attractive to pests, this gives them the perfect conditions to live in. Of course, the fact that it’s inside your home means they’ll also be warm and dry. In short, they’re getting all the benefits of your home without paying the mortgage You can eliminate this attractiveness by removing all standing water. That’s pet bowls, water collecting in your gutter, and even uneven ground outside. If you have a pond or a pool make sure the water keeps moving. Next, remove all food debris. The first step is keeping all open food packets in sealed containers. The second is cleaning all your countertops and floors. Even a crumb can represent a significant meal to a pest, you’ll want to clean the place thoroughly. Finally, focus on removing clutter. Piles of books, magazines, or boxes, are all great hiding places for your pest friends. Get rid of them and your home will be less attractive. Don’t forget, you need to apply this philosophy to your yard as well. Seal Gaps Having removed the attractiveness of your home you can start sealing it up, preventing pests from getting access. To do this you’ll need to walk around the perimeter and look for any gaps or cracks. They are commonly found around windows and doors. But, they can also be where your cladding ends, especially if there is a small gap. Get A Pet It may seem like an unusual idea but a pet can actually keep when pests away. Cats and dogs are remarkably good at smelling pests, they may even hunt them. But, if they don’t, the fact that there is a pet in the house can be enough to deter some pests. There are easier homes to target! Traps You should also consider placing some traps around your home, ideally where children and pets can’t get to them. Monitoring these regularly will show you whether you have an issue and what type of pest you’re dealing with. This will help you take the appropriate steps to avoid the issue. Of course, if you appear to already have an infestation then your best bet is o simply call pest control. They will eliminate the source of the issue while you tidy your home.
