HEAVYSIDE SPECIAL: ROOFING
THE SLATE OF PLAY IN ROOFING
delivery, so that they can be re-used with future products. These can be returned to the companies three sites; two in Burton on Trent and one in Lochmaben, in Scotland. Things in this world are forever changing, and in the roofing industry it is no different. The new technologies improve the efficiencies of the tiles and allow consumers to monitor potential stress points.
BMJ finds out about the latest developments and sustainable commitments in the roofing sector.
A
dvancements in the creations of tiles has made the roofing industry even more sustainable as consumers have highlighted that
they are more likely to pay more for something if they think it is sustainable.
Off the back of this, Russell Roof Tiles has launched its Net Zero 2040 pledge and has outlined a roadmap of how it intends to reduce carbon emissions in its operations and the wider supply chain.
Andrew Hayward, managing director of Russell Roof Tiles, says: “We have actively engaged with suppliers to encourage energy reductions and sustainable practices and are rated as “Excellent” under the BES 6001 certification for responsible sourcing. “All of our manufacturing sites are covered by ISO 14001 approved environmental management systems, and we make a concerted effort to minimise our impact on the wider environment.
“We have worked hard to source materials locally and was the first British roof tile manufacturer to have achieved an “Excellent” rating for responsible supplier sourcing. RRT is signed up to the SME Climate Hub, which is a government initiative aimed at getting SME businesses in the UK on the path to Net Zero. “We also achieved gold status with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, which is an initiative that addresses sustainability within supply chains.”
Hayward says: “Our large format concrete interlocking tiles are specifically designed to
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provide customers with a product that requires less fixing and fewer battens than small format clay alternatives, helping to reduce overall material requirements on a roof. “The Russell Roof Tiles Natural Range builds on this further, reducing the thickness and weight of the tile and overall material content. It also ensures that tiles include the latest technology in lower carbon cements and aggregate mixes. The manufacturing process is inherently energy intensive, so Russell Roof Tiles have invested in multiple on-site renewable energy generation projects, as well as state-of-the-art curing facilities that reduce the energy demand. All of our tiles are able to be crushed and re-used as aggregate substitutes at the end of their useful life. “We are committed to using the best- in-class equipment to ensure we’re manufacturing products of the highest quality in the most efficient way.”
Hayward adds that customers can take advantage of its pallet return scheme by bringing back any wooden pallets used during
Hayward says: “We are continually looking at utilising new technologies to improve efficiencies. Earlier this year the company started using intouch Monitoring - a production monitoring system that helps the team focus on key downtime hotspots, assess potential efficiency gains, and will help strategic purchasing decisions. The new system is being used at RRT’s dedicated plastics site, enabling the firm to acquire real-time data on its injection moulding machines, which produce the company’s UPVC accessories. “We have also started using an electronic proof of delivery system. This digital system has allowed the company to revolutionise the traditional delivery process.
“The new EPOD system enables RRT to provide a more reliable and efficient delivery process, speeding up the time that information can be acquired for both RRT and its customers.”
The company has invested in a £18.5 million project, a new state-of-the-art plant in Burton on Trent. “To deliver more manufacturing lines and a new 1600 sq m building which will house a state-of-the-art curing chamber, only the second of its type in the country, for the concrete tiles,” he adds.
“The new facility, a QUADRIX from Kraft Curing Systems GmbH, accelerates the curing process through the controlled addition of heat and humidity.
“Not only does this new system improve quality of the concrete roof tiles it is the most sustainable curing method available globally, aligning with Russell Roof Tiles’ commitment to sustainability.”
He continues: “We are continually looking at product design, its mix of products as well as the energy usage of our manufacturing processes, as we continue to evaluate our energy consumption.
“This holistic approach focuses on improvements throughout the design and fixing process. RRT works closely with both architects and specifiers as well as contractors and roofers involved with installation to ensure that all sectors are aligned. Its growing technical team provides practical support.” Hayward says: “Not only does this new system improve quality of the concrete roof tiles it is the most sustainable curing method available.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2023
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