SUSTAINABILITY
OUR FUTURE IN ACTION T
here’s no doubt, the road to carbon neutrality is not without complexity. No one can ignore the huge task ahead. As such, we view it a critical success factor to help drive, support and embed carbon reduction efforts across the supply chain, through a dedicated and joined-up approach to delivering sustainable products and services. Whilst reducing our own carbon impact operationally and through the supply of our VERTUA family of low carbon concrete and cement products, we are fully supportive of the journey our merchants and distributors are on too. It’s encouraging to see The BMF promoting the Construction Leadership Council’s ConstructZero programme, recognising the hard work of successful merchant teams through their Net Zero Business Champions awards. CEMEX is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and committed to Net Zero CO2 by 2050. By 2030,
we are aiming for a 40% CO2 reduction. Our Future In Action programme is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels. We truly believe we will have a far greater impact if we all pull in the same direction. We need the whole supply chain onside, because the smallest changes can have the biggest impact over time.
New plastic bagging line At our Rugby Cement plant, following a £5M investment, our new plastic bagging line is now operational. We have responded to market demand and listened hard to what our merchants and customers need. Two new lines will work alongside our new paper bagging line, utilising the very best technology that exists globally, to pack 25kg of cement into plastic bags. Additional shed capacity has also been created to store the increased demand for packed products.
Carl Platt, Director – Urbanisation Solutions (Europe) at CEMEX UK, talks to BMJ about how CEMEX’s Future In Action programme is helping merchants to deliver sustainable products, packaging and services to help meet longer term climate action goals.
Real term benefits to the merchant means less broken bags, no requirement for expensive covered storage space and no need to protect the products with plastic sheeting whilst in transit. The integrity of the product is uncompromised, clearly labelled, and can be stored with maximum visibility, for indoor or outdoor merchant display. Merchants are now reporting fewer breakages in branch and on site as a result.
The new weatherproof packaging solution meets growing demand with builders for robust packaging that can be moved around the site with ease. Importantly, we can also address environmental concerns as the packaging meets the minimum requirement of 30% recycled plastic. Plans are underway to further reduce the packaging waste from the supply chain. Supply chain collaboration has to remain central to making continuous reductions in packaging waste.
BRIDGING THE SUSTAINABILITY GAP
There are calls for greater education on sustainability, as statistics show 45 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions are produced by the construction industry.
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s the industry continues to face the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Brexit and other geo- political events, the situation is set to worsen material shortages and energy costs. Combined, this has created a huge backlog of issues, increased costs, and disruption to supply chains. Then add the drive for sustainability to the mix.
“Sustainability presents a huge challenge to the supply chain with many facets to unravel,” says Daniel Hancox, Business Support Manager at Russell Roof Tiles. “Climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and carbon emissions are just a few buzz words that spring to mind, around the topic of debate. But it’s important to realise
sustainability is the best way to help tackle climate change and reduce global warming. What changes are made in the next decade are critical to the future,” he says.
Hancox says that, while sustainability has been the driving force of the news agenda for some time, but it seems only now is it having an impact on the construction industry. “Since COP26, 86 per cent of respondents believe its acted as a driver for change ,” he explains. “The Government is also implementing new building regulations to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry with Part L being introduced in June with the focus on setting higher standards for the energy performance of new and existing buildings. “
Hancox believes that the first change that can be implemented to reduce material waste is by creating products which last longer, this means building materials with longevity that are better for the environment and meet all building regulations.
“Concrete roof tiles offer a good option for those looking for sustainable materials
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2022
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