Hathaway are delighted to collaborate with Building Systems UK to design, supply and install, the external envelope package for the new speculative logistics and distribution facility on behalf of Tungsten Properties on the banks of the River Mersey, Birkenhead, Merseyside.
Hathaway is a leading company in the UK specialising in the design, manufacturing, and installation of roof and wall cladding systems, with a shared commitment to shaping the future of sustainable building practices. Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, offers comprehensive building envelope solutions for the construction industry. Their services include the provision of insulated roof and wall panels and site assembled systems, profiles, structural roof and floor decking, as well as market leading steel processing services.
ARC 500, the largest distribution and production unit in Merseyside, is a new 494,750 square foot facility designed to accommodate large-scale logistics operations. Its strategic location offers excellent access to the M53 motorway and the Port of Liverpool, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a well-connected hub.
Appointed by Winvic Construction Ltd as part of the delivery team, Hathaway and Building Systems UK are committed to ensuring ARC 500 is constructed as a net-zero carbon facility. The project aims to achieve significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, including a BREEAM Excellent rating and an EPC A+ target, adding a valuable economic asset to the ARC 500 Birkenhead Freeport.
Hathaway have successfully collaborated with Winvic to deliver a number of Net Zero and low carbon projects. These projects have been assessed in line with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment (Edition 1) and the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) 2019 Net Zero Carbon Framework Definition. As an original founding member of Winvic’s Green Supply Chain, Hathaway takes pride in contributing to sustainable building practices.
As part of the Green Supply Chain, Hathaway works closely with Winvic to develop innovative and sustainable product solutions, through engagement with our valued supply chain, with a focus on carbon reduction and energy-efficient materials. The primary objective is to minimise the embodied carbon emissions across the entire lifecycle of projects.
The sustainable choice in Building Systems UK
As the key supplier for the ARC 500 project, Building Systems UK, provided a complete building envelope solution. This included Trisobuild® site assembled roof and wall systems featuring a newly developed profile specifically designed for the office areas of the building.
The core mission of Building Systems UK is to “shape the future of sustainable buildings,” and they achieve this by prioritising transparency and thorough environmental reporting. The company operates an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) program, allowing the generation of project-specific EPDs that are tailored to meet unique project specifications and requirements. This capability sets Building Systems UK apart, providing them with unmatched product environmental reporting.
In addition to their comprehensive EPD program, Building Systems UK holds Responsible Sourcing certification under the BES 6001 standard. This certification, combined with their ability to produce customised EPDs, solidifies Building Systems UK as a sustainable supplier of choice for construction projects.
Their commitment to environmental transparency and responsible sourcing significantly contributes to achieving sustainability goals, such as obtaining credits for a BREEAM Excellent rating, which was targeted for the ARC 500 project. This highlights how Building Systems UK’s practices not only align with, but actively support, high sustainability standards in modern construction.
Driving Down Emissions
Building Systems UK’s manufacturing facility in Shotton, North Wales, is located just 15 miles from the ARC 500 project site, showcasing commitment to local procurement and material supply. This proximity not only bolsters the local economy but also significantly reduces delivery emissions, aligning with the project sustainability goals.
To further decrease carbon emissions and support the transition to net zero construction, freight deliveries for the project were conducted using bio-fuelled vehicles. Switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for these deliveries resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel diesel. Additionally, Hathaway supplied HVO fuel for on-site plant and machinery, which can help reduce associated emissions by up to 90%.
Hathaway’s commitment extends to minimising their carbon footprint and reducing associated scope emissions. They work collaboratively with supply chain partners to ensure that the project’s sustainability targets are met, demonstrating a proactive approach in advancing the construction industry towards more environmentally responsible practices.
Preserve Our Timber – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Hathaway and Building Systems UK are committed to minimising the environmental impact of their business operations. Recognising wood as a valuable natural resource, we understand that the current rate of deforestation is unsustainable. To address this issue, it is crucial to adhere to the principles of the waste hierarchy, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials throughout operations.
In collaboration with their supply chain partners, Hathaway has implemented several wood reuse initiatives to reduce waste sent to landfills and preserve timber resources. Examples of these initiatives include a wooden bearer take-back scheme in partnership with Building Systems UK and a pallet return service. These programs aim to extend the life cycle of wood products, promoting sustainability and supporting efforts to conserve natural resources.
- 241no Pallet returned
- 960no Bearers returned
- 2.3 Tonnes diverted from landfill
For any remaining waste wood or timber that cannot be reused, Hathaway has partnered with Community Wood Recycling, a UK-wide social enterprise that has been in operation since 1998. Community Wood Recycling collects waste wood from companies, creating reclaimed timber stores. These stores support the sale of bespoke wooden products and provide training and development opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged individuals.
Hathaway is pleased with its proactive collaboration with its valued supply chain partners to ensure that wood is diverted from landfills and instead reused or repurposed. The exceptional work carried out by Community Wood Recycling not only helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources but also has a positive social impact by offering skills development and employment opportunities. Hathaway is proud to support and promote this initiative, recognising its significant environmental and social benefits.
Promoting and Leading on New Innovations
New innovations and technologies are essential in Hathaway’s journey towards achieving their net zero target. One such innovation is ToughCAD, which supports Hathaway’s goal of producing zero waste to landfill. Specifically designed for the construction industry, ToughCAD offers indestructible site plans, drawings, and project information that are both weatherproof and recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
ToughCAD was selected for the ARC 500 project not only for its sustainability and environmental benefits but also for the convenience and efficiency it provides during cladding installation. The weatherproof and indestructible qualities of ToughCAD ensure these documents remain intact throughout the project’s duration, reducing the need for replacements. Its recyclability at the end of life is another significant benefit, contributing to reduced waste sent to landfill.
Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in innovation was also critical to the successful delivery of the project with Building Systems UK:
- Trisobuild Profile Adaptation: Building Systems UK developed the capability to invert the Trisobuild profiles according to Hathaway’s preference, enhancing safety by reducing onsite risks.
- Custom Façade Profile Development: Within the project timeframe, Building Systems UK developed a new external façade profile specifically for the ARC 500 project. They conducted fire and weather testing and produced a specific Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the profile, ensuring it met all required sustainability and safety standards.
These innovations and collaborative efforts underline Hathaway and Building Systems UK’s commitment to leading the way in sustainable construction practices while achieving project goals efficiently and safely.
Giving Back
Hathaway and Building Systems UK are deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of local communities. To celebrate the sustainability achievements and demonstrate both companies’ commitment goes beyond building – one item of food for every 1,000 square foot of the project equating to 495 items of food has been made to a local food bank in Birkenhead. This initiative reflects dedication to supporting local communities and aiding those in need. Hathaway plans to continue this impactful initiative on future projects across the UK, reinforcing their commitment to both environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Small Steps, For a Big Impact
Hathaway is proud to play a vital role in the construction industry as a specialist in industrial roofing and cladding. By partnering with Building Systems UK, known for their flexible and collaborative approach, Hathaway is committed to building a better future. Together, they work closely with project stakeholders at all levels to achieve outstanding sustainable outcomes. By taking small, thoughtful steps and fostering cooperation within their supply chain, Hathaway and Building Systems UK are making significant contributions to a more sustainable construction industry, paving the way for a greener and more responsible future.
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