Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 of its products. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum.  Created to encourage transparency across the construction industry, an EPD is a standardised formal document that quantifies a product’s environmental impact. It is based on a detailed life cycle assessment and verified by an accredited third party. Recently awarded Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the prestigious Business Eye Awards, AG’s EPDs reflect the company’s dedication to innovation and its ongoing carbon reduction efforts. Michael Davies, Head of Innovation and Carbon Reduction at AG said: “For many years, we have worked tirelessly to reduce our environmental impact and we are delighted to publish our Environmental Product Declarations.” “A reflection of the continuous innovation we’ve employed to date, our EPDs will provide our customers with essential data that will enhance the sustainability credentials of their projects and provide them with a comprehensive overview of their scheme. We are extremely proud to be able to say that our facilities and products boast some of the industry’s lowest embodied carbon statistics.” From 2019 to 2023, AG reported a 47.8% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, a significant achievement considering the firm’s extended operational hours and the construction of a new £3 million factory in 2023 to meet increased product demand. Additionally, AG reduced its Scope 3 emissions by 4.67% from 2021, underscoring its commitment to a greener future in construction. Verified by EPD Hub, AG’s Environmental Product Declarations represent the latest in the firm’s series of sustainability initiatives. These efforts include a longstanding commitment to producing a significant portion of their product range using recycled aggregate and locally quarried materials. AG’s commitment to energy efficiency is reinforced through regular reviews of its systems and procedures, driving continuous improvement. As part of its CSR strategy, the company has recently made a significant investment of over £5.4 million to modernise its plant, equipment, and technology, underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices and cutting-edge innovation. AG’s CEO, Stephen Acheson commented, “At AG, sustainability isn’t merely a responsibility but a guiding principle that fuels our innovation and shapes our operations. Our EPDs mark a major milestone in our journey to reduce carbon emissions, providing transparent and comprehensive insights into the environmental footprint of our products. These documents and the data they contain underscore our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable products, solidifying AG’s reputation as a leader in low-carbon solutions.” For more information about AG, please visit ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A call by more than 400 of the UK’s leading climate scientists for all election hopefuls to commit to ambitious climate policies has been backed by European insulation specialist Actis. In an open letter to all political parties the academics are calling for five actions to help address climate change, including accelerating moves to help the UK adapt in the light of rising temperatures. The letter says residents are already feeling the effects of a warming planet and cite the summer heatwave of 2022 which saw thousands of excess deaths. Its authors add that if a party leader does not make addressing climate change a priority they “will place the prosperity and well-being of the British people at severe risk” and will not deserve the support of the electorate. Among the signatories is former government chief scientific adviser Prof Sir David King who played a pivotal role in getting the Climate Change Act over the line in 2008. Addressing the effects of climate change is an issue close to Actis’ heart. Its UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper explained: “Under Part O of the building regulations architects are obliged to limit unwanted solar gains and provide a way to remove heat from residential dwellings. Buildings insulated with certain types of insulation can make hot summers unbearable for the occupants. “But not all insulation has that effect. In fact, quite the reverse. Our newest product, two-in-one Eolis HC, and our long-established Hybrid range of insulation and insulating membranes can make a dramatic impact on the comfort of homes in hot weather. In fact Eolis HC reflects 95% of infrared radiation, thanks to the revolutionary Triplex technology from which it is created. “All this means that our products keep homes cool during the summer as well as keeping the warmth in during the winter. “While using reflective insulation alone is not the answer to addressing the impact of climate change, it will mitigate some of the effects by enabling houses to remain at a pleasant temperature.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals