Specialist manufacturer Aquaspira sets course for zero carbon drainage pipe product
Manufacturer Aquaspira,which specialises in producing large lowcarbon pipes for the housing, utilities and infrastructure industries, is on course to deliver on ambitious targets to reduce its embodied carbon by 50%by 2023 - with its sights set on a zero-carbon product by the end of the decade.
A six-figure investment into R&D is already paying dividendswith Aquaspira boasting its first drainage product using 20 per cent recycled material. Heavy investment has already been committedwith the delivery of a newresearch laboratory at its Nelson-based headquarters.
As a specialistmanufacturer of large diameter drainage pipes, Aquaspira isworking in close partnershipwith the University of Birmingham (UoB) and the UKCRIC National Buried Infrastructure Facility, to develop a lower carbon smart pipe for sustainable large-scale buried infrastructure projects.
The research has the potential tomake a significant step-change in helping the construction sector achieve Government de- carbonisation targets. Trials are underway to explore the use of recycledmaterials for storm and drainagewater pipes and the backfill required for their installation, aswell as incorporating innovative sensing equipment for long-termassetmonitoring.
Other recent key developments that have strengthened Aquaspira’s burgeoning sustainability credentials include:
Aquaspira’s Board has agreed investment to generate 35%of power on site fromsolar panels and has already fully changed over to LED lights with sensors. It is also in the process of replacing its diesel Forklift Trucks (FLTs)with electric versions; installing high frequency chargers for
52 | June 2021 |
www.draintraderltd.com
the FLTs; investing in digitalmedia to reduce roadmileage and continuing to improve efficiency of processes to reduce overall power consumption across its operations. Another key objective is to completely eliminate landfillwaste fromits NorthWest site as soon as possible. The carbon emissions saved by the company of 126 tonnes per annumare awin-winwith a corresponding reduction in overheads.
Aquaspira has also joined the SME Climate Hub - a pioneering global initiative that aims to create a tipping point formainstreaming climate action and building business resilience.
NeilWallace, Aquaspira’sManaging Director, said: “Aquaspira isworking closelywith some of the brightestminds in British academia to come upwith solutions for the drainage and utilities industries. Thiswill be beneficial to the industry
andwill demonstrate to thosewedded to historic solutions that there are farmore eco-friendly and high quality alternative products.
“Aquaspira has already proved through its CSR pipe product range that an alternative solution existswhich is 5%theweight of concrete equivalents and requires up to 25%less excavation, and these are beingwidely used by utility companies, housebuilders and thewider construction sector. This is only the start, through our research and development partnershipwith the University of Birmingham, wewill deliver lighter andmore durable products,with the longer lifespan of HDPE*.We are also cutting down on carbon in the transportation cycle and excavation process as well. It is awin-win for the company, industry and planet.”
NeilWallace (left)withUniversity of
BirminghampartnerNigel Cassidy, Professor ofGeotechnical Infrastructure Engineering
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