North, east and west, some of London’s most iconic residential and commercial developments have benefited from using a combination of green roof substrates and natural, as-dug soils from one of the UK’s leading growing media suppliers, Boughton. Here we learn more about the latest project at Canary Wharf and look
The Independent Builders Merchant Group, owner of 21 local brands of builders’ merchants across the South of England, is supporting an intrepid team for this year’s Pavestone Rally. The charity rally, that sets off in September, aims to raise money for four charities and awards competitors with points for various
Ecocem, Europe’s leading independent provider of low carbon cement technology solutions for the cement and construction industries, has partnered with the UK’s largest and busiest airport to trial the applicability of novel lower carbon concretes at the airport, aiming to reduce embodied carbon compared to conventional mixes. In 2019, Heathrow
Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), a leading Indian cement major under its wholly owned subsidiary Dalmia Bharat Green Vision Limited (DBGVL) announced the commencement of commercial production at its new Greenfield Cement Grinding unit in Sattur, Tamil Nadu. This new unit adds 2.0 million tons of cement capacity to the company’s
Hallstone, part of the Rolawn group, has recorded a “marked increase” in sales for the first half of 2023 – including seeing bulk bag revenue surge by more than 50%. Having relaunched as a trade only brand in March this year, Hallstone, which is known for its premium landscaping products, has announced that sales of
Civils & Lintels, the UK’s largest steel lintel distributor, has completed a major investment programme to increase its capacity and enhance its service levels to the UK residential sector. The business has committed more than £5 million to create four regional distribution hubs for the lintels division of the company
Jacksons Fencing, a renowned supporter of wildlife conservation, is making significant strides in promoting hedgehog-friendly security fencing. In 2015, the company became the first British fencing manufacturer to introduce a hedgehog-friendly timber gravel board, for residential use. This breakthrough innovation is compatible with their timber fence panels and slotted posts.
Kingspan Group plc, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Schramek GmbH (“Schramek”) to acquire c.51% of the shares of Steico SE (“Steico”), with an option to acquire a further c.10% of shares in
Introducing Keyblok Linear: The Revolutionary Concrete Paver that Combines Sustainability and Affordability with Superior Performance. Marshalls PLC, a leading provider of innovative paving solutions, is proud to unveil its latest concrete paving product, Keyblok Linear, a product that sets new standards in sustainability, efficiency, and design versatility. Made in Britain,
Toby Marlow, Building and Construction team director, discusses Haddonstone’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. The construction industry is one of the UK’s biggest contributors to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. How would you summarise Haddonstone’s commitment to sustainability? Haddonstone is proudly committed to sustainability and we continually
North, east and west, some of London’s most iconic residential and commercial developments have benefited from using a combination of green roof substrates and natural, as-dug soils from one of the UK’s leading growing media suppliers, Boughton. Here we learn more about the latest project at Canary Wharf and look back at some of previous London highlights that have helped to put Boughton well and truly on the map. The Pavilion at Landmark Pinnacle, Canary Wharf Part of a much larger scale project which includes the UK’s highest tropical garden, the Pavilion at Landmark Pinnacle is the work of Gillespies, Valley Provincial and Farrer Huxley. The green roof which swoops over the ground level commercial space at the foot of the 75-storey skyscraper, will provide much needed green space for those that live and work in the locality. Whilst residents of Landmarks Pinnacle will have access to two sky gardens, this pavilion has been created for the wider community as a place to promote healthy, active and social living. Sloped to the ground level the space is accessible to all. Zoned planting, which creates zigzagged walkways to a raised theatre-style seating arrangement at its highest point, has been supported by Boughton lightweight green roof substrates, Intensive IN 1 and the lightweight subsoil. Boughton’s Intensive IN 1 was selected for its greater organic content and its ability to support larger plants and deeper planting depths. Not only this but IN 1 is perfect for schemes that optimise a more detailed and formalised planting scheme as that seen at the Pavilion, which allows for year-round colour and texture, an approach that has become Gillespies trademark at this project and has since gained them finalist status at the 2022 Landscape Institute Awards: Excellence in Horticulture and Planting Design category. Joining the line-up was Boughton’s lightweight subsoil which created the perfect footprint for the application of Intensive IN 1. Sheldon Square, Paddington The Landmark Pinnacle project follows hot on the heels of the Sheldon Square project that also saw Boughton and Gillespies work together. Located at the heart of Paddington Central, Sheldon Square is best known for its amphitheatre, where a range of activities take place every day. From lunch with colleagues and friends to a special location for live music and culture, Sheldon Square and its amphitheatre are much loved by those that live and work there. In 2022 the area benefited from a makeover which saw improved facilities, better accessibility, a more dynamic performance space and a greener space added. New trees, sun-loving plants and over 40 colourful perennials were added to not only create a vibrant display but were chosen for their ability to reduce pollution, improve air quality and to increase biodiversity and climate change resilience. Working with Gillespies, alongside main contractors, 8Build, and soft landscape contractor, Kingston Landscape Group, Boughton supplied over 80m3 of its ever-popular BLS 2 topsoil to site in bulk bags. Single-sourced, ‘as dug’ natural and screened, Boughton’s BLS 2 topsoil was specified for this project by Gillespies. Battersea Power Station Whilst not Boughton’s first large-scale project, Battersea Power Station certainly remains its most iconic. Situated on a 39-acre site, the Grade II* listed former Power Station was subject to an incredible £9billion redevelopment project – one of the biggest schemes of this type anywhere in Europe. It was within the scheme’s ‘Garden of Elements’ project that saw Boughton step-up, providing its green roof substrates to support the planting within this series of three garden spaces. Positioned between the four chimneys that have become synonymous with the Battersea development, sits the ‘Garden of Elements’, which was designed by Andy Sturgeon and brought to life by six-times BALI Grand award-winners, Willerby Landscapes. Each garden is inspired by fire, water or air, harking back to the Power Station’s previous life. It is within these gardens, including the notable main podium garden ‘Boiler House Square’ that saw Boughton’s IN1 Intensive and Lightweight Green Roof Substrates, and Rootzone come into their own. These garden spaces, full of cloud-like planting schemes are set within raised beds and tall grasses with vegetation designed to offer year-round interest with a mix of evergreens, Mediterranean and more exotic species. Boughton’s IN1 substrate was selected to support this scheme thanks to its ability to support larger plants and to be installed at depths from 100 – 500cm, thanks to its sandy texture. Additionally, Boughton’s IN1 substrate offers significant moisture retention qualities, making it the perfect choice when so many plants are vying for attention within this three-hectare site. IN1 from Boughton continues to meet and exceed all G.R.O guidelines. Elsewhere Boughton’s Lightweight Substrate was used to provide growing media where weight loading for the green roof needed to be lighter than traditional green roof schemes. Finally, Rootzone completed the offering. Supplied as a ready-mixed solution, Rootzone provided better planting conditions throughout the scheme. Product was supplied in both bulk bags and 25L bags, meaning the Boughton team had to go above and beyond to tackle the logistical challenges that delivering to a central location presented. Talking during the construction of the horticulturally rich roof garden, Willerby Landscapes said: “Boughton were a pleasure to work with, being able to safely deliver the material to site despite the many logistical challenges that this prestigious, central London project posed. They supplied us with top quality substrates specifically approved by Tim O’Hare, as well as a service that’s hard to beat”. Find out more To find out more about Boughton’s complete offering for the amenity, landscape and construction industries, please visit www.boughton.co.uk. To enquire about your next project, contact by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Independent Builders Merchant Group, owner of 21 local brands of builders’ merchants across the South of England, is supporting an intrepid team for this year’s Pavestone Rally. The charity rally, that sets off in September, aims to raise money for four charities and awards competitors with points for various challenges along the 1,820 km route. Trevor, who is the MD of IBMG’s timber division, will drive a 19-year-old London taxi bought from Ebay for £460 to compete in the creatively challenging rally across Europe. This year’s co-driver is Peter Saunders who Trevor met in 1991 when they were accepted onto a building supplies graduate training program and have been firm friends ever since. Peter’s son, Jake is also joining the team. This is Trevor’s seventh time to take part – finishing in first place in 2016 and 2019, and second in 2017 and 2018 – the team also won Best Dressed Car and Best Dressed Team. Trevor said: “Our team is called ‘It’s Not About The Points’ because I have been accused of being prepared to do anything for points in previous rallies! Putting jokes aside, the entire rally is about raising money for four very worthy charities – and we’ll pull out all the stops to achieve some serious fund-raising for these excellent causes. “Big thanks already go to Arrowsmith & Roberts, the hauliers, that collected the car from the seller for us and has stored it while the starter motor was replaced, tyres fitted, and the missing front passenger seat welding in! Also thank you to the apprentices at Channel Commercials, Ashford for the amazing makeover.” The route runs from Ghent in Belgium, through France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and finishes in Monte Carlo on Sunday 11 September. You can sponsor the IBMG team by following this link: https://sponsorme.charitiestrust.org/event/816370e7-1d56-40f6-81c3-238537c9b201 The Pavestone Rally invites UK builder’s merchants to raise money for charity. The goal is to drive a car, worth less than £500, across Europe in four days, while in full fancy dress. The rally is hoping to raise £175,000 for its chosen charities: Rainy Day Trust, Crash, British Heart Foundation and Variety The Children’s Charity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ecocem, Europe’s leading independent provider of low carbon cement technology solutions for the cement and construction industries, has partnered with the UK’s largest and busiest airport to trial the applicability of novel lower carbon concretes at the airport, aiming to reduce embodied carbon compared to conventional mixes. In 2019, Heathrow commissioned the Building Research Establishment[1] to review construction materials to reduce emissions and as such Ecocem and global building materials supplier Cemex were selected as viable partners to supply a lower-carbon binder. Initially two low carbon solutions will be tested: a Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) equivalent mix containing 50% Ecocem GGBS, and Ecocem Ultra – a lower carbon binder. Following extensive laboratory testing of the resulting concrete, led by Cemex, this week the partners conducted the first on site trial pour under the watch tower. This is part of a phased process to test its strength and durability in the field. Ecocem Ultra will be assessed for use in main airport areas, groundworks and auxiliary purposes with a common goal of both companies to provide viability of low carbon products for everyday concrete applications. Combined, the cement industry (6%) and the aviation industry (2%) produce 8% of the world’s total carbon dioxide emissions. With this project Ecocem, Heathrow and Cemex, aim to demonstrate the viability of low carbon products, and tangibly reduce carbon emissions from construction at airports. In order to reach its net zero aviation by targets by 2050, Heathrow is looking to cut at least 45% of on the ground carbon emissions by 2030. Working with Ecocem and Cemex on this project enables Heathrow to continue to lead the charge in advocacy and change on reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Demonstrating that its products and technologies can be applied to large scale infrastructure projects isn’t new to Ecocem. At present it is providing low carbon binder for use in concrete on the HS2 project in the UK and for the Metro extension project in Paris, connecting the city to its neighbouring areas. Mark Till, UK National Sales Manager at Ecocem said: “Our technical solutions have long helped large scale infrastructure projects to reduce carbon emissions across Europe. Having the opportunity to partner with Heathrow airport on a project with huge potential in the UK and for the aviation sector, is a testament to the innovation of our products and team. We look forward to working with Heathrow and our other partners on these important trials.” Nigel Milton, Chief of Staff and Carbon at Heathrow said: “Heathrow is once again serving as a testbed for ground-breaking technologies, demonstrating global leadership with regards to sustainable travel. We’re committed to cutting carbon emissions on the ground as well as in the air and we’re delighted to be hosting one of the first airport trials in the world to test lower carbon alternatives. I hope that this trial will help radically transform the built environment at Heathrow in the years to come.” Richard Kershaw, Technical Manager at Cemex said: “Cemex is renowned across the construction industry for its commitment to providing customers with more sustainable concrete solutions. We were the first supplier in the UK to launch a net-zero concrete product, making us ideally situated to support Heathrow with their low carbon concrete trial. We hope this trial will prove successful and demonstrate to the aviation sector the opportunities available to cut emissions during their development projects.”
Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), a leading Indian cement major under its wholly owned subsidiary Dalmia Bharat Green Vision Limited (DBGVL) announced the commencement of commercial production at its new Greenfield Cement Grinding unit in Sattur, Tamil Nadu. This new unit adds 2.0 million tons of cement capacity to the company’s overall installed capacity, bringing it to a total of 43.7 million tons. With an investment of Rs.686 crores, the new cement grinding unit will produce cement, supported for the clinker requirements from the existing Integrated plants in Tamil Nadu. This strategic move is part of the company’s plan to strengthen its market presence in the South and to cater to the growing demand in the region. Dalmia Bharat’s strong bond with the region is rooted in its legacy, as the company’s first cement plant was established in Dalmiapuram, setting its foundation in the industry. The new cement grinding unit is equipped with the latest advancements in environmental-friendly technology for low carbon footprint. A 16 MW solar power capacity installation is in process to support its renewable energy initiative. With advanced automation and digitalization systems, the plant ensures higher operational efficiency and enhanced safety measures. Commenting on the company’s expansion plans, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “Amidst a robust real estate cycle and a sustained push by the Government on infrastructure, we find ourselves in a dynamic and strong demand environment. South is a fast-growing market and we are expanding our capacity to meet the rising cement demand in the region.” Dalmia Bharat has long-term growth and investment strategy aimed at expanding its installed cement capacity to a substantial 110-130 million tonnes by the year 2030-31. The company’s growth approach includes a judicious combination of organic and inorganic opportunities, with a focus on a well-planned and cost-effective organic route. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hallstone, part of the Rolawn group, has recorded a “marked increase” in sales for the first half of 2023 – including seeing bulk bag revenue surge by more than 50%. Having relaunched as a trade only brand in March this year, Hallstone, which is known for its premium landscaping products, has announced that sales of its bulk bag products are up over 50% on last year’s figures. Hallstone supplies bulk bag products including premium topsoil, bark mulch, wood chippings and compost, to a network of over 400 trusted stockists across the UK. Taking the decision not to sell directly online, Hallstone instead updated its branding and website with the express intention of driving customers to trade stockists, a tactic that is working well for the firm – Hallstone’s merchant channel being 47% up on the previous year and the number of Hallstone stockists increasing by 63%. Hallstone, which has experienced the growth between March and June 2023, attributes the rise to the brand becoming a dedicated trade-only supplier, and to the new direction more effectively communicating the significant benefits of Hallstone to stockists and merchants. “We have a clear, simple focus; consistent, reliable, premium landscaping products to the trade, at competitive prices.” Jonathan Hill, Sales Director at Hallstone said, “We’re very pleased to see that our new approach is being so well received by trade customers, it speaks volumes about the products and the service we provide.” Hallstone, which has also achieved a 99.3% customer satisfaction rate, forecasts a continued increase in demand and is confident that by providing reliable, consistent landscaping products that it can continue to meet and exceed market expectations. For more information on Hallstone please visit: https://www.hallstone.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civils & Lintels, the UK’s largest steel lintel distributor, has completed a major investment programme to increase its capacity and enhance its service levels to the UK residential sector. The business has committed more than £5 million to create four regional distribution hubs for the lintels division of the company – including new facilities in Nottinghamshire and the South East. A new facility has been set up at Kirkby-in-Ashfield and a further site in Erith converted solely to a Lintels platform alongside further investment in sites at Bolton and Westbury in Wiltshire with all sites offering an impressive range of stock from all key manufacturers. Civils & Lintels works with its many regional and national housebuilder customers to develop tailored delivery schedules and can also offer help and advice on the selection of the best lintels for each development. The lintels hubs can also offer plot-banded deliveries if requested. In addition to the technical knowledge that the teams have, Civils & Lintels can also offer bespoke fabrication services through its sister company: Harvey Steel Lintels. So, if the customers need something unique or extra heavy duty, Civils & Lintels can also manufacture it for them. This fresh investment ensures that the business always has £30m plus of stock available to meet any needs customers may have.* As a specialist lintels supplier, the Civils & Lintels teams are focussed on delivering not only excellent customer service, but the broadest depth of products from all key manufacturers so can assure our customers that the products will be delivered on time and in full. Phil Sheldon, Head of Residential from Civils & Lintels, said: “This investment reflects the ambition that Civils & Lintels has as a business in the UK housing sector. “We are already the largest distributor of steel lintels in the country and this investment will not only mean that we can continue to offer the best products, but we can also be even more efficient and flexible with our service proposition.” Civils & Lintels is dedicated to servicing the construction industry and are proud partners of all the major manufacturers including Birtley, Catnic, IG, Keystone & Naylor. To view all Civils & Lintels products see https://www.civilsandlintels.co.uk/lintels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jacksons Fencing, a renowned supporter of wildlife conservation, is making significant strides in promoting hedgehog-friendly security fencing. In 2015, the company became the first British fencing manufacturer to introduce a hedgehog-friendly timber gravel board, for residential use. This breakthrough innovation is compatible with their timber fence panels and slotted posts. This pioneering product not only safeguards fence panels from ground contact but also incorporates a designated hole to facilitate the passage of hedgehogs. This seemingly small modification plays a crucial role in combating the declining population of hedgehogs by providing them with convenient access between areas for essential activities like foraging and mating. Pushing boundaries Recognising the need to extend this initiative beyond residential gardens, Jacksons Fencing is aiming to tackle the matter of hedgehog-friendly fencing in commercial sites too. The company aims to raise awareness among architects, specifiers, and end-users about the availability of hedgehog-friendly fencing options and the importance of incorporating them in their projects. Certain commercial fencing types, such as mesh fencing with larger apertures: V mesh, twin wire panels, and chain link, for example, have recently come under scrutiny due to their potential to trap or endanger hedgehogs. Although attempts to create openings or holes in these fences have been made, they often prove ineffective as hedgehogs may not be aware of such access points or may not be able to navigate them safely. This revelation has prompted Jacksons Fencing to advocate for the species by highlighting alternative products that prioritise both wildlife preservation and high security requirements of sites which require security fencing, where suitable. Safe and secure solutions Among the recommended solutions, vertical bar fencing emerges as the optimal choice, as it seamlessly integrates security and hedgehog-friendly features. With gaps between pales designed to adhere to anti-trap regulations, hedgehogs can navigate through the fencing effortlessly, ensuring their safety. These fences also feature sturdy construction, concealed, tamper-proof fixings, an attractive appearance, and minimal obstruction to visibility, making them an ideal choice for various applications. Additionally, Jacksons Fencing highlights the advantages of high concealment mesh fencing, particularly their innovative EuroGuard® Combi product. This solution combines rigid V mesh panels with interlaced wooden slats, delivering both privacy and a natural aesthetic while upholding the strength and security expected from a steel mesh fence. The incorporation of timber slats effectively covers mesh gaps, preventing hedgehogs from getting stuck while still providing a secure enclosure. A race against time Considering hedgehogs have been listed as vulnerable to extinction since 2020, Jacksons Fencing is dedicated to actively raising awareness of this pressing issue and promoting the adoption of hedgehog-friendly alternatives. Action is being taken by UK charities. A ‘Hedgehog Friendly Fencing’ campaign was recently launched by Hedgehog Street, a collaboration between People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Central to the campaign is the establishment of ‘Hedgehog Highways’ as the industry standard in garden fencing, which we applaud. Peter Jackson, Managing Director, Jacksons Fencing says, “Jacksons Fencing has championed Hedgehog Highways for several years. We have updated our product literature, specifications, and online content to educate our customers and specifiers about the availability and benefits of wildlife-friendly fencing options. Prioritising hedgehog preservation and conservation, is just one example of our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of wildlife.” For more information about hedgehog-friendly commercial fencing, please click here. To find out more about the Hedgehog Friendly Fencing campaign, please click here.
Kingspan Group plc, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Schramek GmbH (“Schramek”) to acquire c.51% of the shares of Steico SE (“Steico”), with an option to acquire a further c.10% of shares in Steico in the future. Steico is the world leader in natural insulation and wood-based building envelope products, based in Germany and listed on the unofficial markets of several German Stock Exchanges. It has a very well invested asset base, with four large production sites comprising 27 lines situated in Poland and France, including additional capacity nearing completion with up to EUR200m revenue headroom. Steico had audited operating revenues of EUR445m in the 12 months to 31 December 2022 and EBITDA of EUR90m in the same period. As at June 2023, Steico guided 2023 revenues of c.EUR378m at an EBIT margin of 8% – 10% (FY22 14.6%). As at 31 December 2022, Steico had gross assets of EUR509m. The initial consideration for the shares will be EUR35 per share, plus potential deferred consideration of up to a further EUR35 per share contingent on achievement of specified thresholds with a material uplift in profitability. The initial consideration of approximately EUR251.4m will be satisfied on completion, with 25% of the consideration potentially being exchanged for new shares in Kingspan (subject to Kingspan share price at completion). The consideration payable under the put and call option to acquire Schramek’s remaining c. 10% in Steico is for a capped amount based on a multiple of future earnings. The acquisition is expected to be earnings neutral initially, based on Kingspan consensus EPS for 2023 and Steico guidance for 2023. In addition to Steico’s existing ambitious growth plans we anticipate significant long term leverage via the Kingspan sales channels. The existing Steico executive management team will be retained in the business, and will continue to manage and develop the business. Upon closing, Kingspan will seek fair representation on Steico’s administrative board. The acquisition is conditional on regulatory clearance, and is expected to complete in early 2024. Following completion, Steico will continue to maintain its listings on the German Stock Exchanges. Gene Murtagh, Kingspan Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The acquisition of a majority stake in Steico represents an exciting next step in our strategy to provide the full spectrum of insulation products. Its suite of wood-based building envelope solutions broadens our ability to enable our customers to meet their sustainability and energy performance needs. Kingspan’s global routes to market, paired with our drive to innovate and widen the applications of Steico’s current technologies, are key to our plans to bring Steico bio-based solutions to the next level.” Udo Schramek, Steico Chief Executive Officer, stated: “It has been a great honour to lead the team at Steico to become the pre-eminent global supplier of wood-based insulation. We are now entering the next phase of growth and are very enthusiastic about the collaboration opportunities Kingspan brings, in both the existing Steico range and across the Kingspan portfolio and geographies. I am excited about the future for Steico and about being invested in the future growth of both companies.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Introducing Keyblok Linear: The Revolutionary Concrete Paver that Combines Sustainability and Affordability with Superior Performance. Marshalls PLC, a leading provider of innovative paving solutions, is proud to unveil its latest concrete paving product, Keyblok Linear, a product that sets new standards in sustainability, efficiency, and design versatility. Made in Britain, Keyblok Linear offers a sustainable alternative to traditional clay pavers, as this product isn’t fired like clay, it produces 54% less carbon than clay paver alternatives, making it an environmentally conscious choice for landscape architects and designers. The interlocking grooves and nib detailing of Keyblok Linear facilitate swift installation, saving valuable time and resources. And with its better tolerances compared to clay pavers, Keyblok Linear has a reduced risk of chipping, ensuring a pristine finish that will withstand heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic with ease. Available in four stunning colours, Keyblok Linear provides an extensive palette to suit any design vision. Whether the project calls for a classic or contemporary aesthetic, this high-impact paver delivers unmatched visual appeal, effortlessly enhancing the surrounding environment. For further information and details, view here: https://www.marshalls.co.uk/commercial/range/keyblok-linear Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Toby Marlow, Building and Construction team director, discusses Haddonstone’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. The construction industry is one of the UK’s biggest contributors to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. How would you summarise Haddonstone’s commitment to sustainability? Haddonstone is proudly committed to sustainability and we continually strive towards reducing our impact on both society and the environment. Sustainability policies are embedded across our production processes, including having protocols in place to avoid the use of hazardous substances and prevent the release of contaminants into the atmosphere or watercourses as well as onto land. All measures are carried out in accordance with Environment Agency regulations. Are there any new initiatives which can be shown to be cutting Haddonstone’s environmental footprint? As well as actively cutting power consumption through the use of low energy lighting, turning off equipment when not in use and switching to renewable sources, we use batch production wherever possible to reduce waste; and also employ ‘vapour curing’ instead of wasteful spraying alternatives to save water. Then there is an on-going project with Cranfield University. Initially, this involved assessing the carbon footprint of cast stone. This has resulted in efficiencies across our production and is helping us work towards becoming carbon neutral. Interestingly, a study has shown that one of our Haddonstone planters made with 20kG of dry mix counts as carbon neutral in just 25 months once filled with shrubs. We are now focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of cast stone, for example,finding an alternative to natural aggregates, an alternative to our traditional packaging and Portland cement. Most of the project focuses on reducing Greenhouse gas emissions which included other gases such as carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxides etc. Are you working to reduce the carbon footprint of meeting your transport requirements? We have made significant investment in building our own fleet of delivery lorries that utilise a state-of-the-art computer system. This enables our drivers to optimise the handling of their vehicles and to therefore use less fuel on the road. This results in lower emissions and pollution, and a reduced environmental impact. How is transport managed on a continuing basis? We also ensure that our entire fleet of vehicles is regularly maintained, as well as being equipped with catalytic converters, enabling them to deliver within the London Low Emission Zone. We also partner with carefully selected third party delivery services to avoid dispatching our vehicles with just a few items. Instead, using external courier services means that they run full from one depot to another, optimising their overall carbon footprint. Given that you specialise in reconstituted stone, how do you try and reduce the impact of the associated quarrying required? We source the highest-grade natural limestone aggregates from an environmentally responsible UK supplier. They are acutely aware of how their operations may impact the natural environment and as such, are committed to a programme of continual improvement to minimise their effect on local natural habitats. They also work to prevent pollution and to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Importantly, our supplier’s environmental management system meets the requirements of the international standard set by ISO 14001:2015, which requires organisations to document and improve their environmental impact. This incorporates mineral resource efficiency, biodiversity and landscape, woodland management, energy management, and renewable energy. Cement is viewed as one of the most carbon intense building products – are you able to introduce any cement replacement products into your mixes? Haddonstone is constantly trialling and researching new products, processes and innovative solutions. Cement is the most widely utilised construction product and at present, whilst we have not found a viable substitute for cement itself, we have successfully taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint. To what extent can you recycle your process waste and other materials? Firstly, we ensure that we recycle as much paper and cardboard waste generated in our offices as possible. In addition to this, the 200 bespoke and standard wooden production moulds our workshops produce each month are reused where possible, before being shredded and recycled at the end of their useful life. This produces around 50 tonnes of wood chips annually which goes towards heating the factory. We have also just installed PV panels across a large area of the factory roof to help balance overall energy usage. For more information on Haddonstone’s products and services, including from the Building and Construction team, please visit https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/building-and-construction/ For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
