ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
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Celuform's
'Green' Fleet Slashes Pollution and Improves Service
Pollution
is being significantly reduced thanks to a fleet of new MAN ERF Euro
4 HGVs being used to deliver Celuform
PVC-ue products to stockists and building sites. The new trucks are
so efficient that it takes 35 Euro 4s to produce as many particulates
as one older model.
On-the-road
tests by independent researchers have confirmed the Euro 4's 'green'
credentials, as well as features such as 90 per cent recyclability of
the materials used in the vehicle's construction.
Reliability and service levels are also being improved. Celuform drivers
unload and stack roofline and cladding products exactly where they are
needed, leaving merchant and stockist staff free for other tasks.
'The investment in the new Euro 4 trucks is part of an overall environmental
strategy for the whole of Celuform,' says Stuart Grindle, the company's
marketing manager.
The business is currently working towards ISO14001 accreditation and
it was the first cellular PVC-ue manufacturer to publish a sustainability
policy. Other initiatives include a combined heat and power station
at the Aylesford site, recycling of water used in production, as well
as all manufacturing waste. The company also has always used lead free
stabilisers in products.
Celuform was the first manufacturer of cellular plastic building products
in the UK and supplies stockists with roofline, cladding and windowboards
throughout Europe. The company provides a complete range of systems
for new build and refurbishment.
For more information about Celuform PVC-ue products call 01622 719199
or go to http://www.celuform.co.uk.
The
Lean, Green, Fabrication Machine - Good Housekeeping for Sash UK
Sash
UK
says that it prides itself on producing the very best products in the
business to the highest specification possible. But with a workload
that is constantly increasing, Sash has put strict measures in place
to ensure that its carbon emissions decreases seeing it achieve maximum
reductions across the board, resulting in the company being commended
by an independent energy efficiency body for its working ethics.
As consumers become more aware of the importance of sustainability,
energy efficiency and waste reduction, the need for fabricators to become
leaner in their manufacturing practices is paramount...but this is just
the tip of the ice berg when it comes to energy saving and something
that Sash has been working long and hard to ensure it gets right.
‘We have been looking at all areas of the business to see where
we can reduce Sash UK's energy requirements and wastage to make our
company more sustainable, but this does not just apply to the shop floor,’
comments joint managing director Dave Ruzica. ‘Educating the staff
has been the greatest part of our achievements. If it can be recycled
then that is what we guarantee happens to it. Whether it is plastic
profile, aluminium or cardboard from the factory floor, to waste paper
from the office environment we have established reciprocals to collect
it and work closely with various external agencies to get it recycled.’
But it doesn't stop there! All non-essential machines that are not in
use must be turned off, or if required to be on are adjusted accordingly
to run at more energy efficient speeds; factory, office and outside
lighting must only be turned on when required, out of necessity or operate
on a timer; hot water systems are turned off by timers and off fully
at weekends...the list is endless.
‘Our mission is to reduce energy output where possible...if it
can be switched off then it must be switched off when not in use...if
it can reused, then it is reused. It really isn't rocket science! We
have made simple measures and adjustments to our working practices accordingly
and it has truly saved us a fortune since being implemented just over
a year ago. The beauty of such a scheme is that it does not effect our
production output in the slightest, but ensures that we are all working
towards saving our precious energy reserves and putting something back
through extensive recycling of all our waste. Of course we have just
scratched the surface of what we can do to make our business as sustainable
as possible,’ concludes Dave.
Sash believes that energy efficient working practices is something that
is easy enough to start, but maintaining is another challenge all together.
To ensure that this level of success continues, Sash has an Energy Review
Board that meets on a regular basis to monitor its current status and
develop appropriate initiatives...something on which they can build
for the future.
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
NetRegs
Waste Directory Helps the Construction Industry Clean Up
A
Waste Directory that shows small businesses in the construction industry
where to find licensed sites for recycling or disposing of their waste
was launched on Monday 19th March by NetRegs,
the government website that provides clear guidance on environmental
regulations.
The NetRegs Waste Directory is free, interactive and easy to use.
Users can search online by postcode or town and type of waste, and
will be directed to appropriate local waste management sites. The
sites can be located using an electronic map that shows which are
closest and highlights those offering recycling facilities.
The Directory allows businesses to search by waste type, including
paints and solvents, end-of-life vehicles, cardboard, batteries, building
waste, chemicals, glass, office waste and packaging.
The launch marks the start of NetRegs’ new campaign to help small
businesses find out about environmental legislation, comply with the
regulations and avoid the risk of prosecution. It is encouraging the
UK’s 190,000 small businesses in the construction industry to
visit the website (http://www.netregs.gov.uk)
to check out environmental regulations, wise up to their responsibilities
and clean up their businesses. Once online, users can also sign up
to receive email alerts specific to their business type and keep up-to-date
on environmental legislation.
'Over 300 businesses were prosecuted in 2005 because they did not
meet environmental regulations,' says Richard Martin, NetRegs Programme
Manager.
'Small businesses in construction may not realise the harm they are
doing by failing to comply. What seem like minor infringements on
their own can add up to cause real harm when lots of small businesses
are making them.
'It is also important that businesses operate with a view to the long
term. For example, in some areas of England it is estimated that there
are now fewer than five years of landfill left, so if we continue
at the current rate, we will clearly hit problems. We know that many
businesses within the construction industry are working really hard
to do their bit and our Waste Directory will support them in that
– we’re giving them everything they need to know about how
to find licensed waste management sites.'
'Small businesses may be failing to comply with environmental legislation
simply because they aren’t aware of what they need to do, and
that’s a situation that benefits nobody,' says John Holbrow,
Environmental Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses. 'We
applaud NetRegs for producing this Waste Directory, which we believe
will provide a really important resource for small businesses. By
giving them the information they need about where to recycle or dispose
of their waste, NetRegs will help small businesses to take vital steps
towards avoiding the risk of fines for failing to comply.'
NetRegs is a free, anonymous website that provides clear guidance
on environmental regulations for small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs). It gives them information they need to operate in a legal
and environmentally responsible way and saves them time by providing
plain language guidance.
For further information please visit http://www.netregs.gov.uk
New
Eco-Towns Could Help Tackle Climate Change
New
small zero carbon 'eco-towns' built on brownfield land could lead the
way in cutting carbon emissions and building affordable homes, Housing
Minister Yvette Cooper said on 7th March.
The Government announced it would consider plans for eco-towns put forward
by local authorities as part of the New Growth Points scheme. Forty-five
councils have already come forward with plans for new homes and jobs
to respond to serious housing pressures in their areas, and some authorities
are also looking at plans for 'new settlements'. Ministers will now
consider these plans within the Growth Points scheme, insisting on proposals
for zero- or low carbon developments which make the best use of brownfield
land.
New eco-towns, of between 5,000 - 10, 000 homes, would have strong public
transport links to nearby towns and cities. They would make the best
use of brownfield land and could be built on public sector surplus land
such as former MoD or NHS sites. Ministers believe these new developments
could help drive the environmental technologies needed to ensure all
new homes are zero carbon within a decade, as set out in last December's
zero carbon timetable.
Yvette Cooper has announced £2m funding to develop plans for the
eco-towns. She also announced the appointment of Professor David Lock,
Chair of the Town and Country Planning Association, to report to Government
on further developing the criteria for eco-towns.
Yvette Cooper said:
‘We desperately need more homes - and we desperately need to cut
carbon emissions to tackle climate change. New eco-towns could build
low carbon design into the fabric of the community, not just into individual
houses.
‘We have already made substantial progress, with the new timetable
for zero carbon development and proposals for places like Northstowe.
‘But we need to go further. Now is the time for us to look at new
eco-towns, put forward by local councils. They could use public transport
and new green designs to deliver low cost and low carbon homes for the
future, making good use of brownfield land.'
Greenhouse
Gas Statistics Show UK on Track to Double Kyoto Target
The
UK remains on a course to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to almost
double its Kyoto target, figures published by Defra show.
Environment Secretary David Miliband said the final figures for 2005,
released last Wednesday, showed that the UK remained on track to go
well beyond its Kyoto commitment, and showed an encouraging fall in
household emissions.
'These figures confirm that we are on track to meet and exceed our Kyoto
target. Based on these figures, our greenhouse gas emissions are 15.3
per cent below 1990 levels - 18.8 per cent when the effect of the EU
Emissions Trading Scheme is taken into account. That's already better
than our Kyoto commitment of 12.5 per cent,' he said.
'With emissions trading, we will almost double our Kyoto target, with
an estimated 23.6% reduction in greenhouse gases on 1990 levels by 2010.'
Mr Miliband said that though the greenhouse gas figures continued the
downward trend, the 2010 domestic goal, to cut CO2 emissions by 20 per
cent on 1990 levels, looked increasingly difficult to achieve.
'The 2010 goal was always designed to be stretching. We are making definite
progress towards it, and the projected 16.2% reduction is testimony
to that progress,' he said.
'However, the CO2 emission figures make it very clear that we need to
do much more to cut emissions, and this is why the Climate Change Bill,
announced in the Queen's Speech, will be essential to those efforts:
providing a long-term framework with the necessary measures to reduce
our emissions, including putting into statute our long-term goal to
achieve a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.'
The decrease in CO2 emissions between 2004 and 2005 was due mainly to
a reduction in emissions from the domestic sector, down by 4.6 per cent.
Mr Miliband said that while it would take several years to confirm whether
there was a permanent downward trend in household CO2 emissions, it
was a hopeful sign.
'Individuals can make a real difference in the fight against climate
change, as these figures demonstrate. We have introduced significant
policies to help cut household CO2 emissions, and we hope that we are
beginning to see their effect.'
The inventory figure for 2005 carbon dioxide emissions does not take
into account the effect of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which
was in its first year in 2005.
'The effect of the very first year of the EU ETS is notable. Emissions
trading is the most important and effective way of pricing carbon in
the economy, which ensures that industry takes full account of the cost
of carbon dioxide, and provides a financial incentive for industry to
reduce emissions. Carbon trading will increasingly become a key tool
in the international community's response to climate change and is already
a vital part of the UK's policy response.'
Emissions from aviation continued to increase. Between 2004 and 2005,
CO2 emissions from domestic aviation increased by 7.1 per cent, while
international aviation emissions increased by 5.7 per cent, due to an
increased number of flights. Between 1990 and 2005, emissions from aviation
fuel use more than doubled.
'The continued increase in emissions from aviation fuel - doubling over
fifteen years - is the strongest evidence yet that aviation needs to
be brought into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme as quickly as possible,'
Mr Miliband said.
Buildings
Responsible for 40% of Europe's Total Carbon-Dioxide Emissions
Climate
Change is the EU's top priority according to the European Commission
and Member States are committed to cutting down on CO2 emissions to
meet the Kyoto Protocol targets. Despite all the efforts, Member States
keep on wasting a significant part of their energy due to inefficiency
and buildings are responsible for 40% of Europe's total carbon-dioxide
emissions.
On this topic Frost & Sullivan will host an exclusive interactive
briefing on 14th March, 2007, at 3 p.m. GMT to provide manufacturers
of building technology products, energy management service providers
and other industry participants with an overview of the concept of green
buildings. Highlights of the briefing include: The EU's standpoint on
energy efficiency, the concept of Green Buildings in Europe compared
to the US, the implementation of EPBD at national level with country
case studies with a focus on current developments and comparisons.
Those interested in participating in this outlook should send an e-mail
to Chiara Carella - Corporate Communications at chiara.carella@frost.com
with the following information: your full name, company name, title,
telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and country. Upon receipt
of the above information, you will be sent a confirmation/pass code
for the live briefing.'As we mentioned before, buildings are responsible
for 40% of total carbon-dioxide emissions. Therefore, if the EU is to
achieve its targets, reducing energy use in all buildings is essential
and the Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) is intended to
contribute to realising this.
'Even though many energy efficiency measures are cost effective with
a relatively short payback time, they are often not undertaken due to
financial restraints - observes Research Analyst Reka Szanto.
'If more stringent standards are applied to new buildings and renovations,
the EU will achieve a significant cut in greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately,
any effort is in vain if it is not coupled with a change in consumer
behaviour'.
This briefing will benefit manufacturers of building technology products,
energy management service providers and anyone hoping to understand
what the Energy Performance Building Directive is about and how it could
effect their life or business in the future.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering
with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for
more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth
consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training
to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an
extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies,
and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage
that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis
of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
For more information, visit http://www.frost.com
Going
green can save Total Glass around
£18,000 per year - equivalent to an annual salary - through reducing
waste and energy costs, such as repairing leaking compressed air lines,
turning off unnecessary lights and not leaving computers on standby.
This figure also represents an annual reduction of 86.8 tonnes of carbon
dioxide emissions.
The
Liverpool-based fabricator is implementing a raft of recommendations
following a Carbon Trust survey of its 100,000 sq ft factory and its
operations to identify potential savings in energy use to reduce both
energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Money saved will be ploughed
back into new technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines -
currently under active consideration for hot water and heating.
Julian Wetherall, Total's Development Director says: ‘Moving to
purpose-built 100,000 sq ft premises in February 2005 enabled us to
incorporate some energy-efficient design features from the start, such
as fans to re-direct rising warm air back down to the factory floor
for heating.
‘However, we recognise that there are savings to be made, especially
with the escalating costs of energy, so these can only be good for both
the business and the environment. Total Glass has a production capacity
of up to 5,000 frames per week, so our energy costs are understandably
high - nearly £80k a year to be exact.’
The survey identified savings of over £6,000 a year alone by repairing
leaking compressed air lines and reducing pressure. It takes more than
ten units of electrical power to provide one unit of compressed air;
and more energy is needed to generate air at high pressure. Reducing
the pressure by one Bar saves 7% of the compressor's energy consumption
while not materially affecting power tool operation.
Other simple energy/cost-saving measures already implemented include:
* Lights on motion sensors come on when needed, for example in the toilets
* Optimised use of water for flushing toilets
* Not leaving computers on standby
* Installing filtered drinking water butts, instead of plastic water
bottle dispensers
* Maximising use of natural light in the factory by turning off unnecessary
strip lighting
* Timers on coffee machines so water is only warmed when needed
‘Our commitment to a sustainable approach is already demonstrated
through our established recycling of all PVC, cardboard and paper waste.
These new measures take our efforts further forward,’ continues
Julian. ‘As support from our employees for energy-conservation
efforts is essential to making this work, we are ensuring communication
at all levels to make it happen.’
He adds: ‘Aside from the environmental benefits, there is a clear
cost benefit over time from even the simplest measures. We are not alone
in doing this as other window companies recognise they can play their
part in reducing waste and making savings. Multiply these efforts across
the industry and we can start to make a real difference.’
For more information, contact Stuart Waring or Julian Wetherall on 0151
549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.
Eco-Friendly with Ashford Commercial and VEKA
The
prototype Eco-House in St Albans is a revolutionary and ground breaking
pilot experiment into energy efficient living, using sustainable materials,
renewable technologies and energy efficient systems. The brainchild
of St Albans City and District Council, the Eco-House is based on a
traditional four bedroomed detached council home and main contractors,
Borras Construction Ltd worked closely with the council to ensure optimum
product and system specification. This includes exterior composite doors
from VEKA fabricator, Ashford Commercial.
The doors feature a Langham design on the front and Cromer at the back
and were specified for their fitness for purpose under the stringently
eco-friendly design brief. ‘Effectively, these composite doors
are manufactured with 80% recycled materials, and offer nine times the
heat retention of timber,’ explains Mick Neale of Ashford Commercial.
‘This contributes significantly towards reducing fuel bills which
is a key feature of the Eco-House. Additionally, the doors are extremely
low maintenance - they require no painting or staining or adjustment
once fitted, and with basic service maintenance, they offer a service
life in excess of 30 years.’
With over 20 years experience in the manufacture of PVCu and composite
doors, Ashford Commercial specialises in the social housing sector and
uses only the premium products in the fabrication process to ensure
that the company’s products meet the highest construction requirements.
This includes the use of VEKA profiles, which are recognised globally
as robust, durable and long lasting and to which the laminate skins
of the composite doors are fitted. ‘We are delighted but not surprised
that our doors were chosen for this pilot scheme,’ continues Mr
Neale. ‘We share the vision of our housing provider clients to
meet the targets of the Decent Homes Standard and to provide quality
housing for the future throughout the UK.’
The Eco-House uses renewable energy, recycled water, and sustainable
materials to reduce the environmental impact and long term running costs
of a typical home. The construction process is also as eco-friendly
as possible, working to the standards of the Considerate Contractor
Scheme. The aim to reduce as much wastage as possible led to the specification
of recycled windows and Ashford's recycled front doors, with all remaining
waste from the rest of the construction process segregated and sorted
to further reduce the landfill pressure.
‘If we are going to help solve the global climate problems, it is important that we steer the development of technology on to the right track, and find solutions that the rest of the world can also afford,’ emphasised Hydro CEO Eivind Reiten at the company's annual energy seminar in Bergen.
‘This will have a much greater effect on the global climate challenge than if one plant in Norway commences CO2 capture by a certain date,’ he added.'
Reiten pointed out that if one is going to supply the world with energy in an environmentally friendly way, technology will have to be developed that makes the recovery of energy from fossil sources environmentally acceptable.
‘It is crucial that technology is developed to capture, purify and store CO2, and that such technology is not so costly that only the richest countries can afford to use it. Carbon capture and storage can make a substantial global contribution, estimated as capable of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 20-28 percent, according to the The International Energy Authority (IEA). Norway is particulalry well positioned to make a contribution here and hardly anyone has done more work on CO2 technology than Hydro.’
‘We need to aim higher’
Reiten stated that environmental challenges had to be seen from a global perspective.
‘The world is facing a climate challenge, and the experts' verdict is clear: We must act now. Hydro acknowledges the link between increased CO2 emissions and global warming. But we aslo look upon the environment as an important governing condition - not an obstacle, but an opportunity.’
He stressed that the future belongs to those who are able to develop tomorrow's solutions that produce energy with less impact on the environment and climate.
‘Both researchers and markets will press for energy to be obtained from new and more environmentally friendly sources. But in the transition to new technology we still need to meet the demand for fossil-based energy - and we must do this in ways that reduce CO2 emissions. There is therefore the need for continual technology development.’
SageGlass
Products Hit the Top 10: Honoured Among 2006's Most Innovative Green
Building Products
SAGE
Electrochromics, Inc.'s
electronically tintable architectural glass products have been selected
as one of the 2006 Top 10 Green Building Products. This annual award
recognises the most innovative and exciting green building products
added to the GreenSpec® Directory during the past year or covered
in Environmental Building News. Indicative of its achievement, SAGE
was featured in both the directory and the publication.
At the push of a button, SageGlass® products switch from a clear,
untinted appearance to a highly tinted, darkened state. This dynamic
functionality actively controls daylight, heat gain and glare, while
maintaining the view to the outdoors. Recognising these benefits, GreenSpec
notes SAGE offers 'building components that reduce heating and cooling
loads, and improves light quality.'
More than 250 products have been added to the GreenSpec during the past
year. 'New products seem to be appearing at an ever-faster pace,' said
coeditor Alex Wilson. The GreenSpec database maintained by BuildingGreen,
Inc. now includes more than 2,100 product listings, representing several
times as many actual products.
A big driver in the development of green products continues to be the
U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Rating System. 'Designers of
LEED buildings are looking for green products, and manufacturers are
responding,' added Wilson. In the online version of GreenSpec, users
can find products organised by LEED credits. SageGlass products are
listed as contributing to:
EA Credit 1 - Optimise Energy Performance
IEQ Credit 6 - Controllability of Systems
IEQ Credit 7 - Thermal Comfort
IEQ Credit 8 - Daylight and Views
As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, SAGE demonstrated the
green attributes and other benefits of SageGlass products at the USGBC's
GreenBuild conference, held November 15-17 at the Colorado Convention
Centre.
BuildingGreen, Inc. manages the independent review process, listing
designation and database and publication of GreenSpec. Learn more at
http://www.buildinggreen.com.
Leaders in electrochromic technology for more than 15 years, SAGE Electrochromics,
Inc. manufactures electronically tintable glass products that are available
to the international architectural building market. Consistently proven
reliable for use in exterior building applications, SageGlass® products
help reduce energy bills by controlling solar heat gain and increase
worker productivity by allowing additional daylighting, minimising glare,
and enhancing occupant comfort.
To learn more about SAGE, its products and its 'green' attributes, please
call 877-724-3321, or visit http://www.sage-ec.com.
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