PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2024 20 Pipes, Fittings& Valves


How copper can play a part in a more sustainable future


Oliver Lawton, co-founder of the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) and MD at Lawton Tubes, discusses why his passion for sustainability is stronger than ever and how installers and the wider construction industry can make changes for the better.


the drive for more sustainable building solutions, copper pipe manufacturers are keen to highlight how the metal off ers a more environmentally- friendly alternative to plastic. The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) was formed by two competing copper tube manufacturers – Lawton Tubes and Mueller Europe – to inform and promote the environmental benefi ts of copper.


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Can you tell us more about the creation of the CuSP and how you work to support the environment? CuSP was born out of Lawton Tubes and Mueller Europe joining forces – despite being competing copper tube manufacturers – to represent copper’s role in the manufacturing community. Together, we strive to fi ght back against the plastics greenwash and educate our peers in the industry about the environmental benefi ts of copper to make the industry more sustainable.


How do you think the UK can improve its sustainability eff orts as a whole? Currently, a lot of discussion in the media focuses on consumer plastic use, such as fresh produce packaging, or consumer modes of travel, with many cities introducing clean air zones. We would never say this isn’t a positive change, but there needs to be more focus on business and industry sustainability. For example, the construction


industry is systemically one of the biggest contributors to the UK’s carbon emissions and waste production. In fact, construction, demolition, and excavation generated around three-fi fths (62%) of total UK waste in 2018. The construction industry is rife with standard practices


ith rising concerns about the eff ects of climate change and


recycled – a stark diff erence from the messages circulated in the media. Since the end of World War


II, plastic has been praised as a saving grace due to its cheap cost and versatility, which at the time did off er temporary solutions in a period of rebuilding. However, we have since learned much more about the material and its harmful consequences.


Oliver Lawton Managing director at Lawton Tubes


Unsustainable materials like plastic may be cheaper, but we need to move away from the value engineering model that ensures financial savings at any cost


that have been in place for far too long and don’t refl ect the steps in sustainability we’ve collectively taken. Many of the current guidelines stem from the ‘value engineering’ methodology, which focuses on reducing the cost of producing a product, without reducing its quality or effi cacy. Unfortunately, this means that in practice, sustainability has not been prioritised. Considering the sheer volume


of waste produced by the industry, it’s paramount that more regulations are imposed on the sector. Despite many industry leaders and trade shows listing sustainability high on their list of priorities, do all of them truly follow through with their promises? The government and governing bodies of the construction industry must force these companies to start taking responsibility.


What can you tell us about recycling processes in the construction industry? Contrary to the mistruths perpetrated by the plastic industry, the rate of plastic recycling is much lower than they would have you believe.


Research shows that globally, across all industries, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled – another 19% is incinerated, 50% ends up in landfi ll and 22% evades waste management systems. Meanwhile, a natural


element, copper, is overlooked and underestimated by many, when it is, in fact, the superior material, thanks to its fi re resistance, durability and versatility. It is infi nitely recyclable and can be reused again and again without losing any of its capabilities. Evidencing its recyclability,


half of Europe’s copper demand is currently being met by recycled materials. What’s more, 65% of all copper that has ever been mined is still in circulation. Copper used thousands of years ago is still in use today and could even be in the wires of the screen you’re reading this on!


What should we be most concerned about? The plastics greenwash spread by industry leaders is certainly the biggest threat to a sustainable planet. Research has found that only 9% of the world’s plastic has ever been


What does the future of the planet look like? It is impossible to tell – the world is currently at a crossroads. One path is paved with our actions without change, which will surely lead us to a world we can no longer recognise or survive in. Should we not alter our behaviour to be more considerate of the environment, we will fi nd ourselves facing the consequences. One example of this may be that around the world, we would be forced to wear masks over our faces to prevent the inhalation of pollution, which we already see in China. Alternatively, the second path


is forged from conscious choices to implement more sustainable changes systemically. It’s necessary to lobby for more regulations and guidance to force the big players in the construction industry to reduce waste and pollution generation. I urge anybody working in the


construction industry, whether as a labourer or a managing director, to make more mindful choices. Unsustainable materials like plastic may be cheaper, but we need to move away from the value engineering model that ensures fi nancial savings at any cost. We must start balancing profi t with planet, and prioritise more sustainable products, such as copper.


Find out more To fi nd out more about the CuSP and how copper can improve sustainability, please use the online reader enquiry link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/33


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