ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
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The
Government's decision to reassess the viability of nuclear power to
reduce carbon emissions leaves no doubt about the UK's current commitment
to sustainability. This commitment is being written into many legislated
areas of daily life. The spring introduction of the amended Part F and
Part L of the building regulations will see the building industry forced
into moving towards 'greener' practices.
One company which has pre-empted the 'green' revolution is FSG Technologies.
It is installing the Mustang® continuous aluminium guttering system,
supplied by Aluminium Roofline Products,
on 'eco-friendly' properties built by Paul Newman Homes.
Jon Lennox, a Partner at FSG Technologies, explains: ‘The 210 properties
we are working on for Paul Newman Homes are all 'eco-friendly', so sustainable
roofline was a must. The houses are in the Georgian style so it had
to meet the high design standards that Paul Newman is renowned for.
ARP, which supplies Mustang, passed on our details because the company
knew that Mustang met both demands. It's 97% recycled when fitted and
also recycled again at the end of its life cycle. A variety of styles
and colours that match most styles of architecture are available. Far
from being a pain, offering sustainable products has been good for our
bottom line. But a lot of companies still think that 'going green' means
big compromises. The £220,000 contract with Paul Newman Homes
is the sort of compromise we like!’
Tel: 0116 2894400
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com
Installers
Take Note of Global Warming Article
Freefoam,
the manufacturer of PVC roofline systems, recently published an article
summarising findings of research into the limitations of the colour
stability of PVC products when exposed to increased UV levels, and received
several enquiries from installers wanting to know what this means for
them.
In short, just as our own skin needs protection if exposed over long
periods to intense heat and UV sun light, so too does PVC which has
what's referred to as a 'tipping point' of UV exposure beyond which
fading is rapidly accelerated.
Furthermore, irreversible distortion of profiles from rapid heat absorption
caused by rising temperature is a real threat, particularly on darker
coloured surfaces.
Freefoam has led the way in widening the colour choice in roofline,
and pioneered the use of environmentally friendly lead-free products
through considerable research and close collaboration with raw material
partners. Studies conclude that, for white, Ti02 (Titanium Dioxide)
is the magic ingredient, required in minimum 5 parts per hundred, to
maximise colour stability and minimise the adverse reaction of PVC to
increased UV levels.
Freefoam products are manufactured using 5 parts Ti02 for optimum protection
and superior performance.
Tony Walsh, Freefoam Managing Director, comments, ‘Global warming
is a threat which we need to protect our products against. As manufacturers,
we all have a duty to ensure the products we make last longer than the
guarantees that back them.’
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
Total
Glass
says that it is pursuing major environmental and training accreditations
as part of its commitment to sustainable business practices and staff
development, enhancing further its reputation as an award-winning supplier
of quality PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories.
The company expects to gain ISO 14001 certification, the international
standard for Environmental Management Systems, early next year which
is likely to coincide with the first anniversary of its February move
to the 100,000 sq ft Total Complex. Similarly, with assessment processes
for the Investors in People standard already well underway, the firm
plans to gain IIP status during the first half of 2006.
Maria
Melia (pictured), Total’s Training Officer, is collaborating on
both projects with representatives from John Moore’s University
in Liverpool who are assisting with putting the required mechanisms
in place. Commenting on progress so far, she explains: ‘Given our
existing commitment to employee training and close links with outside
training providers, through initiatives such as our well-established
Total Training School and NVQ schemes, we are confident of achieving
IIP status in the coming months.’
Supporting her with the IIP process is Michaela McCauldron, Manager
of the Merseyside Small to Medium Enterprise Development Centre (MSMEDC)
who is advising on various aspects of the programme, from staff appraisals
to the provision and delivery of work-related programmes tailored to
the needs of the workforce.
The Investors in People Standard is a tried and tested flexible framework
that helps companies succeed and compete through improved people performance.
To date over 32,000 organisations have formally achieved the Standard,
which means that over 27% of the UK workforce is working with recognised
Investors in People organisations. These organisations employ from two
people upwards and stretch across all sectors of the UK economy.
In a separate project, Maria is co-ordinating work on ISO 14001 with
quality specialist, Richard Fielding from MSMEDC and this has already
made an impact in helping with waste reduction and other cost savings.
Explains Maria: ‘Recycling waste, such as PVC-U off-cuts, has always
been an integral part of our operations, but we have now expanded our
recycling systems to cover cardboard, plastic and even polystyrene cups.
Waste materials are sorted and baled or collected in separate skips
before being sent to specialist recyclers.
‘We decided as a company to take responsibility for our environmental
management and felt that pursuing ISO 14001 accreditation would demonstrate
our commitment to a sustainable approach to our staff, customers, suppliers
and the local community,’ she adds.
In recent years, the company’s focused and progressive approach
has earned recognition for its training and business achievements. These
include an Action for Jobs Award for its commitment to working with
the long-term unemployed, culminating with the Best Business of the
Year Award 2004 in the Knowsley Economic Forum Enterprise Awards scheme.
For further information on Total Glass, contact the team on 0151 549
2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.
Going
Green - ISO Recognition for Manufacturer's Environmental Policies
Everglade
Windows
has received British Standards recognition for its progressive environmental
policies.
The Kömmerling fabricator has been awarded ISO 14001, which is
an international standard evaluating environmental management systems.
Everglade's approved systems apply to the fabrication and installation
of all PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories, along with the company’s
aluminium double-glazed products.
BSI says Everglade attained the award by:
* Demonstrating high environmental standards
* Reducing energy costs
* Improving energy efficiency
* Demonstrating compliance with legislation.
Everglade's
Environmental Manager Mahesh Hirani, pictured here (right), receiving
the ISO accreditation from Grenville Payne, of assessors Quality Management
Systems, says: ‘This has been achieved by several measures: conserving
energy through controlling factory and showroom lights with sensors,
so the lights come on automatically when someone is near, and going
off when they leave; and ensuring computers are turned off at night
instead of being left on stand-by.
‘Also, recycling waste paper and cardboard means we now fill just
over three skips a month instead of five; around 90% of PVC-U offcuts
are recycled; our employee induction programme includes a dedicated
environmental section; and we publish a monthly staff newsletter.’
Future plans for even more energy savings include the installation of
solar panels in the showroom; and when delivery vehicles are replaced,
looking at alternatives to petrol and diesel, such as LPG (liquefied
petroleum gas).
ISO 14001 assessors say gaining the certification gives Everglade a
significant competitive edge. ‘More and more customers are demanding
that companies have the certification in order to do business with them.’
It's a point echoed by Mahesh Hirani. ‘Our commercial customers
- particularly local authorities - are now looking for their suppliers
to demonstrate a firm commitment to protecting the environment.
‘Also, domestic retail customers are becoming increasingly interested
in 'green' issues, and are very impressed when they know what we're
doing to protect the environment and have a quality assurance mark for
it.’
Two of Everglade's environmental tips from the staff newsletter:
* Did you know...? A compressed air leak the size of a match-
head wastes enough energy in a day to toast 444 slices of
bread.
* Did you know...? Leaving a PC monitor on all night wastes
enough energy to microwave six dinners.
Energy
Efficient Windows Could Save 3.5 Million Tonnes of CO2 a Year
The
Energy Saving Trust has revealed
that homes in the UK are unnecessarily emitting over 3.51 million tonnes
of carbon dioxide emissions and wasting £370 million annually
through low insulated windows and is urging industry to help stop energy
wastage by installing more energy efficient windows.
Four of the UK's leading glazing manufacturers have become the first
in the industry to win endorsement from the Energy Saving Trust for
their new energy efficient windows. JG Glass, MasterFrame, Speed Frame
and McMcllhatton will carry the energy saving recommended logo and are
available to the construction industry now.
Richard Bawden, Trade Partnerships Manager at the Energy Saving Trust
said: ‘Our homes are responsible for 28 per cent of all UK carbon
dioxide emissions and as windows are responsible for 20 per cent of
all heat lost in an average home, improving their efficiency is an important
step towards combating climate change.’
Manufacturers are already experiencing demand for the products which
will typically save around £70 in heating bills and over half
a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Paul Spencer, Head of Marketing, comments: ‘There is clearly a
demand for energy efficient glazing. Our new glass plant now produces
between five and seven thousand energy saving recommended windows every
week.’
Richard concludes: ‘There are a number of regulations expected
to come into force over the next few years, including the Home Condition
Report and changes to the UK Building Regulations, which will push sustainability
to top of the industry's agenda. We need to look at every part of our
homes in terms of energy saving, from insulation, to heating systems
to windows. We are delighted to have seen such rapid developments in
glazing and we hope the demand for these products will continue.’
UK
Environment Agency Recognises Alcan for Outstanding Performance
Alcan
Inc.
announced recently that it is one of 17 large stock market listed
companies to be recognised for its outstanding environmental performance
by the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency’s (EA) annual publication
Spotlight on Business - Environmental Performance 2004.
'Alcan strives to be a leader in sustainability and environmental issues.
We strongly believe that improvements made at the local level can contribute
to huge progress being made across the globe,' said Wyn Jones, managing
director of Alcan’s smelting and power facilities in the UK. 'We
have achieved a world class position in the protection of the environment
for some years now and are justifiably proud of the exceptional results
we have accomplished to date,' he added.
Alcan Smelting and Power UK has attained the highest possible ranking
in the publication for its ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental
impact.
Alcan’s Local Air Quality Management System, developed in partnership
with the Environment Agency and Wansbeck District Council, is also highlighted
in Spotlight on Business. This innovative system of weather forecasting
and emissions monitoring takes Alcan’s Lynemouth Power Station
beyond what is required of it under regulation. The system is described
by the Environment Agency as, 'one of the most successful air quality
management systems in the UK.'
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader
in aluminium and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminium,
fabricated aluminium as well as flexible and speciality packaging, aerospace
applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today’s Alcan
is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for solutions
and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has operating
facilities in 55 countries and regions.
Alcoa
Employees Selected as Earthwatch Fellows
Alcoa
has announced that 15 employees and contractors from Alcoa locations
across the globe have been selected as Earthwatch Institute fellows
and will participate in scientific research expeditions around the world
as part of the company's overall conservation and sustainability efforts.
A few of the expeditions that the fellows will participate in include:
• Jizera Mountains, northern Bohemia, Czech Republic Alcoa
representatives from Australia and The Netherlands will travel to the
Czech Republic to assist a team of hydrologists working to rehabilitate
headwaters from acid rain damage.
• Algarve, Portugal Alcoa representatives from the USA and
China will help scientists learn about Europe's most mysterious and
smallest seabird, the storm petrel. The findings will help reveal complex
links among climate change, ocean ecosystems and the bird's survival.
• The Pantanal, Brazil Alcoa representatives from Spain
and Germany will assist a multi-national team of scientists in a conservation
research center in the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland.
This is the third year that Alcoa has teamed with Earthwatch Institute
to enable Alcoa employees and contractors to participate in the research
studies that offer personal development opportunities and help raise
awareness and appreciation for the Earth's ecosystems.
'Alcoa is committed to environmental education projects that assist
scholars in building a sustainable future for our world. We view this
programme as an investment in our people, in our environment, in our
company and in the Earth's future,' said Pat Atkins, Alcoa's director
of environmental affairs. 'This partnership helps to further educate
our workforce about the important role that nature and our environment
have on our daily lives. Many times when they return, they begin to
approach their jobs and their personal lives with a different perspective.
'Not only are these employees removed from the daily business environment
for two weeks, but they are immersed in a different culture with a team
of researchers and lay people from various backgrounds who approach
issues from numerous perspectives.'
Expeditioners nominate themselves for selection and are selected on
merit by a team of judges from Alcoa and Earthwatch Institute. All travel
and accommodation costs are paid, and the expeditioners use their available
vacation time to participate. Alcoa provides a grant to Earthwatch to
support research projects where the Alcoa fellows are participating.
The expeditioners are a diverse group representing Alcoa's worldwide
operations and businesses. They will assist in the projects for up to
two weeks under the guidance of leading scientists. During their expeditions,
they will publish a diary of their experiences along with photographs
on Alcoa.com. To learn more about the expeditions, visit http://www.alcoa.com.
About Earthwatch Institute
Earthwatch Institute (http://www.earthwatch.org)
is an international non-profit organisation founded in 1971 which supports
scientific field research worldwide by offering members of the public
unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and
researchers. The Institute's mission is to promote sustainable conservation
of our natural resources and cultural heritage by creating partnerships
between scientists, educators, and the general public.
Green
Victory for Vinyl in LEEDS Programme
Participants
in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system will
not be penalised for using vinyl products, according to a draft released
in December by the U.S. Green Building Council. The council’s PVC
task group reported that the environmental and health impacts of vinyl
used in building products are comparable to those of competing materials.
'This report shows a great amount of detailed analysis,' says Tim Burns,
president of the Vinyl Institute, based in McLean, VA. 'We will study
the report in depth, but our preliminary sense is that the task group
took a comprehensive scientific approach.'
The task group was formed in 2002 by the USGBC to evaluate vinyl on
four fronts: drain/waste/vent pipe, windows, siding and flooring. The
resulting decision was to recommend against a credit for excluding vinyl
in the LEED rating system, a certification programme gaining momentum
in the building community for its success with green, or sustainable,
design.
The report states that 'the available evidence does not support a conclusion
that PVC is consistently worse than alternative materials on a life
cycle environmental and health basis.'
The USGBC task group points to holes in available data and recommends
additional research in the arena of building materials1 life cycles.
'We are confident that additional research will help architects, designers,
builders and homeowners further appreciate vinyl1s benefits,' Burns
asserts.
Web: http://www.usgbc.org
'Stronger
Guidance Needed' Delegates Told at Waste Action Forum
'Too
much time and money is being spent in the UK on consultation on waste
and recycling and not enough on delivering actions to improve performance.
There is still a need for stronger direction at a national level.' This
was a key message from guest speaker, Ian Collins, managing director
of Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Limited, in his speech given at the
Waste Action Forum.
In his presentation at Rexam Glass‚ sixth Forum event, Ian said
that the UK had developed a culture of spending too much time discussing
and researching waste and recycling issues, which had resulted in it
falling behind its European cousins in terms of meeting targets.
'Countries like France and Belgium make quicker decisions based on consistent
strategies and so achieve higher levels of recycling' said Ian, 'but
that's because their Governments have been clear in setting out the
direction for them to move in. It means they can develop long-term strategies,
which local authorities in this country are hindered from doing with,
for example, continual changes in targets.
'In Europe, we've worked with local authorities and commercial operators
using our Ecosourcing waste collection tracking system for increasing
recycling rates and, together, we've been able to develop accurate,
useful data that points to the future as well as the present time. The
data produced from Ecosourcing is used to develop communication programmes
as well as on an operational level.
'We suffer from a 'wait and see' culture in the UK, which is understandable
because of the lack of direction, but it makes the need for a national
strategic waste authority greater than ever. With that in place we'll
have a far better opportunity to reach the magic target of 25 per cent
of waste being recycled. If we continue to 'wait and see' we'll never
even get close to the European rates of 40 - 50 per cent' he added.
At the Waste Action Forum fifty delegates from local authorities also
heard Gill Weeks, regulatory affairs director at Cleanaway Ltd, discuss
the implications, impact and timings of the Hazardous Waste regulations.
She summarised by saying that when these new regulations come into force
they will result in increased costs to deal with the hazardous waste
- and, of course, someone will have to pay for this.
Tim Judson, director of procurement at Greater Manchester Disposal Authority
discussed the role private finance initiatives (PFI) have to play in
waste. He took delegates through the process of how he had been involved
in setting up the UK's largest waste management contract highlighting
how to avoid conflict and maximise value and opportunity to implement
successful, long-term partnership schemes.
Also speaking at the Forum, Rosie Edwards of the Cambridge Environmental
Education Service highlighted the importance of educating children about
waste and recycling to create sustainable lifestyles. Glen Fleet of
Warwickshire County Council described to delegates how he had set up
a consortium of local authorities and organisations in the Midlands
and Chris Scholey, deputy chairman of the government's advisory committee
on packaging, explained the group's role in making sure packaging regulations
work to achieve new targets.
'Our Waste Action Forums are proving to be extremely popular and valuable
events' said Nigel Pritchard, director of Rexam Glass. 'Guest speakers
for the events are brought together as a result of feedback from delegates
from previous Forums so we can be sure that presentations will be beneficial
to the work of local authorities.'
The Forum, which was held in Barnsley on 16th and 17th March, is led
by a steering group with representatives from local authorities and
industry. The steering group will use the findings of the Forum to produce
a 'road map' to address specific problems and key issues.