Archive for category: Technology

You are here: Home / Technology

The World’s First Geopolymer House

*All photo credits: RENCA

RENCA Makes History With World’s First Geopolymer House

Sustainability in construction has become a global imperative, urging the industry to seek innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact. RENCA, a pioneer in sustainable geopolymer materials for 3D printing in construction, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by using their zero-cement geopolymer 3D printing mortar to construct the world’s first 3D printed geopolymer house. With sustainability in construction a growing global concern, construction 3D printing is emerging as a promising solution to reduce environmental impact. A geopolymer is an inorganic material typically created by combining an aluminosilicate source material with an alkaline activator, resulting in a durable, environmentally friendly material with properties similar to cement-based materials but with higher mechanical strength and reduced carbon footprint. Geopolymer materials, free from Portland cement, lime, or gypsum, offer up to 90% more sustainability than conventional cement-based alternatives, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious construction.

RENCA’s journey with geopolymer materials began in 2015, and since then, they have developed over 300 products for various applications, addressing environmental concerns in different industries. In collaboration with Strong Print 3D and Geopolymer International, RENCA overcame the challenges of the harsh desert environment in the western USA to successfully 3D print a complete house structure with their geopolymer mortar.

Construction 3D printing has captured the imagination of the building sector, offering unprecedented design freedom and reduced material waste. However, the carbon dioxide emissions from Portland cement used in existing 3D printing mortars have been a concern. Genuine geopolymer-based mortars and concretes present numerous advantages for construction 3D printing, such as rapid setting times, high strength, and excellent chemical adhesion between layers, allowing continuous printing without interruptions.

This material offers remarkable fire and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Their eco-friendly nature, emitting less CO2 during manufacturing and using industrial by-products, further adds to their appeal. While geopolymer mortars require specific mixing procedures and batch mixing systems, RENCA’s ongoing research and development aim to introduce a one-component geopolymer mortar for continuous mixers and a 2K system to control the setting time directly at the 3D printer nozzle, enhancing flexibility and adaptability.

RENCA’s accomplishment in 3D printing a geopolymer house marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable building materials and methods, paving the way for a cleaner and safer future for all. With its potential to revolutionize construction practices, geopolymer 3D printing mortar brings hope for a greener and more efficient construction industry.

Source: 3D Natives

/0 Comments/by

Vertex BD Is the Perfect Tool for Designing Hybrid Construction Projects

Structures that utilize both panelized and modular construction are known as hybrid systems, and they provide owners and designers with the ultimate range of flexibility

To reap all the benefits of hybrid construction systems, designers and builders make deliberate choices about which approach is used for each component of the structure.  The most important benefit of hybrid off-site construction is that it recaptures some of the flexibility associated with traditional, stick-built construction without giving up the environmental, economic, or quality benefits of off-site construction.

Challenges and constraints must be addressed by architects and engineers early in the design phase of a project. Manufacturing and transportation constraints are major variables to consider, as they immediately limit construction options. Designers must know in advance where the panels or modules will be fabricated, each facility’s production size limitations, and what the transportation constraints are for shipping the panels to the site.  Hybridized construction enables designers to address this broad range of constraints through a greater number of potential suppliers, which provides more manufacturing and transportation options to meet the architectural and engineering requirements for each project.

There are also advantages to be realized at the building site. Perhaps most importantly, the finishes in the structure’s high-value areas can be completed at the factory and shipped to the site in a weather-proof module.  Integration is the key to successfully designing and constructing a building that will employ multiple off-site construction methods. It is also the biggest challenge. Volumetric modules and panels must connect within strict tolerances for the design to be realized, so it’s critical that all stakeholders work from a shared set of plans.

Vertex Systems created Vertex BD, a building information modeling (BIM) software platform, specifically to handle complex design scenarios of this nature. The platform automates design and manufacturing processes for all the prefabricated components that will be built and shipped to the job site. The software also translates essential project information across all the disciplines involved in producing each module. Manufacturing data, plans, schedules, and material reports can be automatically created within the platform and shared with contractors and suppliers to ensure tight coordination across the project.

3D visualization tools are immensely important for hybrid projects because they allow designers, owners, and builders to see how the 3D modules and panels will come together and how all the critical connections will be formed. Vertex BD includes powerful 3D visualization tools that allow designers to perfect the design and address any glitches early in the design process.

 

WEBSITE

/0 Comments/by

SITEPRINT ROBOT – NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK

 

HP’s SitePrint robot, which was launched in the US last year, is now being made available to customers in the UK and Ireland.

The SitePrint robot is available to customers in the UK and Ireland from 3 May, extending the Early Access Programme launched for customers in the US and Canada in September 2022. Commercial availability is expected for the SitePrint robot in North America later this summer.

SitePrint is a robotic solution that uses autonomous operation to print complex construction site layouts accurately and with consistent repeatability, improving the productivity of the site layout process. It also prints text, providing additional data from the digital model to the construction site, and has the ability to avoid obstacles.

HP describes the robot as light, and compact. The robot also comes with a touch screen tablet for remote control and configuration, as well as a selection of inks suitable for different surfaces, environmental conditions, and durability requirements.

 

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

Source: Construction Europe

 

 

/0 Comments/by

North West England: The Future of Construction

North West England’s construction industry has expanded significantly in recent years, with new developments and infrastructure projects sprouting up across the region. The demand for specialised tools and equipment, such as wacker plate hire services, is increasing as construction methods evolve and technology advances. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and insights in the construction and maintenance sectors, specifically in North West England, as well as to investigate the region’s growing demand for tool hire services.

The Rise of Sustainable Building

Sustainability is no longer merely a buzzword in the construction industry; it has emerged as a critical driver of innovation and growth. The North West region has seen an increase in environmentally friendly construction projects, with contractors and developers increasingly focusing on lowering their environmental footprint. Tool rental companies have begun to offer a variety of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly tools, such as electric wacker plates, battery-operated power tools, and hybrid excavators, in response to this trend.

The Use of Digital Technology

North West England’s construction industry is rapidly adopting digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and drone surveying. Companies can use these technologies to improve project management, streamline communication, and cut costs. To improve the customer experience and optimise operations, tool hire companies have begun to incorporate digital solutions into their services, such as online booking systems and real-time equipment tracking.

A Focus on Safety and Compliance

The importance of safety and regulatory compliance has never been greater than with the increasing complexity of construction projects. To ensure that construction sites maintain high safety standards, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has implemented stringent regulations. Tool rental companies play an important role in this context by providing well-maintained, safe, and compliant equipment. Wacker plate hire services, for example, ensure that compaction equipment is up to date with the latest safety features and guidelines, lowering the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with HSE regulations.

Modular Construction’s Expansion

Modular construction, which involves the offsite assembly of building components, has grown in popularity in North West England as a result of its cost and time savings. Tool rental companies have responded to this trend by providing a variety of modular construction-specific equipment, such as portable gantry cranes, vacuum lifters, and specialised scaffolding solutions.

The Value of Skilled Labor

The North West England construction industry is facing a growing skills shortage, making it critical for businesses to invest in training and development. Tool rental companies can help bridge this gap by providing comprehensive training programmes on how to use their equipment safely and effectively. A wacker plate hire service, for example, may include operator training and certification, ensuring that workers have the skills needed to operate compaction equipment safely and efficiently.

Brexit’s After Effects

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union has increased supply chain scrutiny and a focus on local sourcing. As a result, there is an increasing demand for tool hire services based in the UK that can provide quick and dependable access to a diverse range of construction equipment. This trend has benefited wacker plate hire companies located near project sites in particular, as they can provide quick and convenient access to essential compaction equipment, reducing delays and downtime.

Sustainability, technological advancements, safety concerns, and evolving construction methods are driving significant transformation in the construction and maintenance sectors in North West England. To remain competitive, tool hire companies, particularly those providing specialised services such as wacker plate hire, must adapt to these changes and continuously improve their offerings. By offering a diverse selection of high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly equipment.

Source: Business Manchester

/0 Comments/by

Upskill, or risk getting left behind

The rapidly rising prominence of robotics in the construction space means that businesses need to upskill, or risk getting left behind

Construction is going through a huge shift at the moment, as digital innovation in the sector is driving its direction more and more. Robotics is one of the areas of particular interest, as it enables construction companies to implement lean practices, increase efficiency, and reduce waste as they build.

How robotics plays a role in construction

One of the now most prominent examples of robotisation in the construction industry are Robotics Total Stations (RTS) — a semi-autonomous measurement tool that surveyors can use to coordinate distance, measure angles and process data. When the tool has been set up, it can put out a warning when measurement thresholds are met and alleviate the need for a two-person team to gather data. This tool, first introduced by Geodimeter in the early 1990s, is just one example of how robotics has revolutionised the age-old construction industry.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Other more recent examples of highly successful integrations of robotics in construction include the deployment of quadruped robots, like Boston Dynamics’ ‘Spot, the robot, and the use of pre-programmed robotic layout solutions. From being worth $2,450.7m in 2019, the construction robotics market is estimated to grow to  $7,880.3m by 2027.

As robotics become increasingly prevalent in this sector a shift is required, moving construction away from being a trade skills-based industry and towards one where a combination of trade and technical skills are needed.

The need for skill proficiency

As construction robotics becomes more widely used, workers are needed who can manage high-level technical activities and understand the limitations of robotic tools.

The skills increasingly required of construction workers will be the operation and maintenance of robots and the capability to optimise work processes, acknowledging the robot systems’ capabilities and limitations, and identifying any discrepancies that could affect safety and performance. Some workers will also need to be familiar with Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions and datasets that are used to guide the robots and provide situational intelligence. Most importantly, workers will need to be flexible and able to adapt their roles to new technologies.

Developing and training employees

Upskilling employees to work with construction robots is not necessarily an arduous task, as not all robots are complex. It can start with instruction in the basic robot-operational skills, such as teaching robots to start and stop, and being able to charge and guide them. From there, employees can learn to maintain the robots, and to map and optimise their work taking into consideration site conditions, production rate, operating time and load sizing, before moving on to the more complex aspects of construction robotics.

Once one worker has safely built their skills, they can pass these skills onto the rest of the team, keeping training costs to a minimum. Upon arrival at a site, the most intuitive skills can be taught immediately through demonstration and, with more long-term training requirements, employers can help new and existing employees operate robotics systems safely and adeptly, by implementing in-house training programmes and self-study options.

External training and certification are required for operating some construction machinery and a similar requirement will be required to operate some advanced robotic machines. Employers will be able to leverage AI-based simulation tools to develop competences in high-fidelity scenarios. For instance, when more complicated robotics tools, such as autonomous compactors, excavators and dozers enter the market, certification may be required and simulation training can help employees become used to operating this kind of machinery.

Simulation tools are an exceptionally versatile training method and can be used to teach workers a vast range of skills from robotics in bricklaying to 3D printing and surveillance. In a simulated environment, workers can test cognition, localisation, perception and sensor combinations in real-world scenarios. As employees become increasingly competent with the tools, the simulation systems can be adjusted to replicate conditions that are more hazardous and difficult to navigate. With this approach, workers can safely and efficiently gain experience in steering through complex and dangerous scenarios such as weather conditions, co-ordinating mixed and complex robot fleets, and planning and optimising site conditions.

Adapting with the industry

Construction robotics is a field that’s innovating and evolving fast. Upskilling employees enables construction companies to develop a more competent workforce that is at the forefront of the industry and encourages organisations to remain resilient to change, adapting to new industry developments so the company can grow alongside the sector as a whole. Moreover, companies can use the construction industry’s technological transformation to their advantage to attract the top tech talent required for a digital future.

As the world shifts towards the digital, the construction sector remains no exception. For construction companies today, the only option is to start looking at digital transformation and upskilling options now or risk getting left in the dusk.

By Aviad Almagor,  vice-president, technology innovation at industrial technology company Trimble.

Source: Information Age

/0 Comments/by
,

THE RISKS OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Digital processes are transforming construction and introducing new risk considerations. The question is, how should these risks be handled?

As the digital age gains momentum, technology is at the forefront of CEOs’ minds. Indeed, Marsh’s Head of Climate & Sustainability Strategy, Amy Barnes, recently wrote about The risks and rewards of frontier technology.

In 2016, the Farmer Review warned the UK construction industry it would have to “modernise or die”. The 80-page report, written by industry veteran Mark Farmer and commissioned by the UK Government, noted that research and development within the industry was almost non-existent, productivity was low, and cost inflation high. This situation was mirrored in many countries around the world.

In order to modernise and move into the 21st century, the industry has accelerated its uptake of new technologies, including robotics, machine learning and automated planning decisions through digital design. Onsite, hard-hat sensors and driverless vehicles are coming into use, while digital aids such as artificial intelligence (AI), and building information modelling (BIM) are used throughout the duration of a project.

Top tech risks for construction companies

The adoption of new technology can create a wealth of opportunities for construction companies, including improvements in management, information, speed, accuracy, accountability, costs and reduced risk, but it can also bring new risk.

Cyber Risk

New technology often has a cyber element and one of the biggest risks is cyber breaches. It’s estimated that cybercrime costs the UK industry £27 billion a year. Construction output in the UK is more than £110 billion per annum and contributes 7% of GDP, making it a very attractive, wealthy industry to target. As relatively new adoptees to sophisticated technology, construction companies risk leaving themselves at the mercy of a wide range of players, from nefarious state actors intent on disruption or wishing to steal information, to hackers who want to profit by the placement of ransomware and siegeware. Understanding vulnerabilities and installing and maintaining cyber risk protection is imperative.

 

New technologies being considered by construction companies

 BIM

Projects procured by the UK Government now require the use of BIM, which offers a central point of building reference in a 3D digital model. BIM software creates a collaborative design and build process that visualises the physical and functional aspects of a building. BIM enables real-time collaboration on a single platform, and is important to contractors of large projects, for both a visual and quantitative model of the build. It is also useful for materials ordering and scheduling. Taking BIM a step further is the digital twin, which creates a digital replica of a finished, functional building.

How to deal with construction technology risks

For companies looking to adopt new technology, risk management is key. Contractors, owners, and developers should work with trusted advisers to ensure all adequate protocols have been adopted in order to identify, analyse, evaluate, and address cyber security threats. This could include outside organisations that are commissioned to discover weaknesses in cyber security systems. These companies engage in activities such as penetration testing designed to find vulnerabilities in a system before an attacker does. It simulates real-world attacks so companies can identify and fix weaknesses before they’re exploited.

Companies also need to speak to their construction broker to review how it will affect risk allocation and insurance, and ensure the risks are covered under their construction insurance policies.

How to gain optimum insurance terms

The construction insurance market has gone through a transition, moving from a market that experienced stable or declining pricing for over a decade, to one in which prices have been rising — though there has been some moderation from 2021. Underwriters will continue to scrutinise each project in detail as the market remains challenging, seeking detailed risk information for in-depth review.

This is why it is important to engage early with a broker who has expertise in both construction and in wider specialties, including cyber risks, and has the capabilities to respond to the challenging economic and business risks faced by contractors, developers, and owners. With their specific technical and market knowledge, and close relationships with underwriters, experienced brokers are able to expertly navigate periods of tightening insurance markets. Early engagement will ensure the contractual structure reflects the optimal insurance programme design and enable sufficient time to negotiate terms.

 

Source: Marsh

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Driving the Development of Fusion Technology

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Sheffield have entered a partnership that is set to drive the development of fusion technology and the UK’s future fusion industry.

The collaboration, announced on March 9th, will see Sheffield appoint two Chairs in fusion research and development. Both roles will establish new research programmes to address global fusion challenges.

The position of Chair in Qualification for Fusion will address fundamental engineering challenges in the qualification of components, fabricated assemblies and systems for use within future fusion powerplants.

The position of Chair in Fusion Materials will focus on innovation in materials design and processing to improve powerplant performance and the decommissioning and recycling of new materials developed.

Both Chairs will work closely with UKAEA staff and the University of Sheffield Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham, part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which helps to move cutting-edge research from universities into the commercial market.

The University’s Faculty of Engineering will host the two Chairs. UKAEA has chosen to work with the University because of its expertise and strong track record in materials science, engineering and manufacturing research, which are crucial for developing new low-carbon technologies.

As part of the partnership, UKAEA will also collaborate with the University’s UK-leading research in thermal hydraulics – a key research area in the development of fusion as an energy source.

Dr Amanda Quadling, Director of Materials Research at UKAEA, said:

“We are pleased to partner with the University of Sheffield. Their Department of Materials Science and Engineering has a combination of process innovation capabilities, metals performance testing and high calibre microscopy skills which will complement our post-irradiation activities.

“This partnership will help to address intrinsic engineering and materials challenges in order to make fusion energy commercially viable. It will also develop a pipeline of talent for the future of our thriving fusion industry.”

Professor Jim Litster, Vice-President for Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said:

“Here at Sheffield we have a long track record of world-leading research excellence across materials science, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and low-carbon energy research. This is coupled with successful translation into industry and UK government policy.

“Developing strong external partnerships is a key part of our Faculty of Engineering’s strategy. With the University, UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility in Rotherham and the STEP prototype fusion powerplant site at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, all in relatively close proximity to one another, the partnership will develop a strong regional focus on fusion excellence in South Yorkshire and surrounding regions. Harnessing the research strength of northern universities, such as ours at Sheffield, is crucial if the UK is going to transition to low-carbon energy sources and protect its energy supply over the long-term.”

It is expected the two positions will attract collaborations from a wider range of industrial partners who will be able to sponsor students and work in partnership with them on research projects.

Stephen Wheeler, Director of Fusion Technology, UKAEA, said:

“The challenge of how we test and qualify components for future use in a fusion environment is critical for the delivery of a fusion powerplant.  Partnering with the University of Sheffield to launch a new Chair in this field will accelerate the application of cutting edge techniques from across all sectors of engineering and the development of new experimental and digital techniques specific to fusion.

“The UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, South Yorkshire, is enabling us to access and grow regional capabilities to support the delivery of fusion. This includes local skills development from schools to universities and also the world class capabilities within the local manufacturing supply chain. We look forward to accessing the University of Sheffield’s expertise in engineering testing and qualification to enhance our national programme.”

Along with many other framework agreements with universities and industry partners, the agreement aims to bolster the UK’s strong position in commercialising fusion energy as a major source of low carbon electricity for the second half of this century.

Fusion is the process which occurs at the centre of stars; it is the source of light and heat emitted by the Sun.

Finance invested in fusion energy enables new materials and technologies to be developed that can benefit not just fusion energy, but also a wide range of industries including space, healthcare and decommissioning.

UKAEA’s mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise scientific and economic benefit.

 

Website

/0 Comments/by

Benefits of hybrid off-site construction

The most important benefit of hybrid off-site construction is that it recaptures some of the flexibility associated with traditional, stick-built construction without giving up the environmental, economic, or quality benefits of off-site construction.

Taking a hybrid approach provides flexibility in a few ways — perhaps most importantly with respect to building design and panel or module fabrication and transportation options.

Hybridized construction enables designers to address this broad range of constraints through a greater number of potential suppliers, which provides more manufacturing and transportation options to meet the architectural and engineering requirements for each project.

There are also advantages to be realized at the building site. Perhaps most importantly, the finishes in the structure’s high-value areas can be completed at the factory and shipped to the site in a weather-proof module. Expensive finish materials for kitchens and bathrooms, for example, can be installed in a manufacturing setting and then protected from damage and moisture, reducing risk and waste for builders and owners.

Integration is the key to successfully designing and constructing a building that will employ multiple off-site construction methods. It is also the biggest challenge. Volumetric modules and panels must connect within strict tolerances for the design to be realized, so it’s critical that all stakeholders work from a shared set of plans.

Vertex Systems created Vertex BD, a building information modeling (BIM) software platform, specifically to handle complex design scenarios of this nature. The platform automates design and manufacturing processes for all the prefabricated components that will be built and shipped to the job site. The software also translates essential project information across all the disciplines involved in producing each module.

Manufacturing data, plans, schedules, and material reports can be automatically created within the platform and shared with contractors and suppliers to ensure tight coordination across the project.

3D visualization tools are immensely important for hybrid projects because they allow designers, owners, and builders to see how the 3D modules and panels will come together and how all the critical connections will be formed. Vertex BD includes powerful 3D visualization tools that allow designers to perfect the design and address any glitches early in the design process.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE VERTEX WEBSITE

/0 Comments/by
,

Kingspan unveils new QuadCore

Kingspan unveils new QuadCore Lower Embodied Carbon range – QuadCore LEC

 

QuadCore LEC has been developed specifically to help reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings it is used on. Using comparative Lifecycle Assessment Data (LCA) data to the EN15804-A2 standard, this breakthrough in insulated panel technology demonstrates a 41% reduction* in embodied carbon in modules A1-A3 (product stage) for QuadCore AWP in a 100mm thickness. The first products in the QuadCore LEC range will be in available in Q1 2023 in the UK and Irish markets.

Further reductions in the embodied carbon of the QuadCore LEC range are expected between now and 2030 and are underpinned by the business commitment to Net Zero Carbon manufacturing by 2030, the introduction of an internal carbon charge, and the investment in H2 Green steel – a company pioneering the manufacture of steel using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels.

Mike Stenson, Head of Innovation for Kingspan Group explained “As a business we are committed to developing high performing, energy efficient, building envelope solutions that help minimise the carbon footprint of buildings over the whole life cycle. Creating products with reduced embodied carbon and enhanced potential for circularity is key to achieving this.

QuadCore is already one of the highest performing insulation technologies in terms of thermal efficiency (underpinned by a 25-year thermal warranty) which could enable higher energy and carbon savings through the operational life of the building. This is the first step on our journey to reducing the embodied carbon of our products and we anticipate some major milestones by 2030 to drive that down even further.”

The new QuadCore LEC insulated panel range will have all relevant independent testing and certification for UK & Irish markets.

 

 

*Quadcore AWP LEC LCA shows a 41% reduction in LCA modules A1 – A3 (product stage) when compared to existing Quadcore AWP LCA to the EN15804-A2 standard for a 100mm thickness. The LCAs for QuadCore KS1000RW and QuadCore Coldstore are currently going through the verification process and EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) will be published ahead of the products launching in Q1 2023. The 41% reduction is achieved through raw material changes. When comparing modules A-C (product stage, construction process stage, use stage, end of life stage) the overall reduction is 17%.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON QUAODCORE TECHNOLOGY PLEASE CLICK HERE TO EMAIL KINGSPAN

 

UK: +44 (0) 1352 716100   IRE: +353 (0) 42 9698 500

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE KINGSPAN WEBSITE

 

 

/0 Comments/by
,

Eurocell’s sustainability vision

The construction industry is under pressure to use more sustainable building methods and product choices. When it comes to also addressing the additional challenges of offsite and modular construction, PVC-U can be part of the solution as the sector starts to prepare for the impact of the Future Homes Standard (FHS) in three years’ time, says Martin Benn, Head of New Build at Eurocell.

Eurocell is working hard to extend sustainable product options for the construction industry   through market-leading PVC-U recycling and manufacturing processes. This commitment is helping to reduce the volumes of plastic waste heading for landfill and tackle the problem of carbon reduction. The company offers an extensive range of high performing PVC-U window and door solutions that not only look good, but also help organisations underpin their sustainability objectives.

The nation’s housing stock is viewed by national policy makers as a key component of the long-term ambition to deliver a low carbon future.
COP26 outlined the perils of the impending climate crisis and government moves such as the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are designed to ensure that we start building more energy efficient, low carbon, sustainable homes. As an interim measure before the full force of the Future Homes Standard becomes a reality in three years’ time, the immediate objective is to direct the construction of new homes so that they produce 31% lower carbon emissions.
According to the Climate Change Committee, the built environment accounts for around 40% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 14% of this coming from the 28 million homes in the UK. This puts the future construction of sustainable new homes front and centre in the challenge to ensure we collectively achieve on our future low carbon aspirations.

PVC-U is already playing its part in helping to meet important environmental and regulatory obligations. Set against other potential product choices such as aluminium or timber composite for windows and doors, PVC-U offers long-term durability and high performance, attractive aesthetics to support design visions, cost effective value and, through Eurocell’s vision and industry leading recycling processes, a truly sustainable product solution.
The sustainable choice

To further substantiate the sustainability credentials of PVC-U, the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University has reviewed an array of data sets and modelling emanating from peer-reviewed publications. This has established a life cycle assessment of the use of recycled PVC-U window frames within Eurocell’s manufacturing operations.

For example, a typical semi-detached house comprising seven windows and a pair of French doors will see an average weight of post-consumer PVC-U within the eight products plus cavity closure of 122kg. Therefore, a development constructing on average 2500 units of semi-detached houses will save around 627 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by specifying recycled Eurocell windows and cavity closures over a competitor who is using full virgin PVC-U windows.

Eurocell-Recycle – leading the way

Eurocell has, for the past two decades, been a strong and industry-leading advocate of the wider benefits that recycling can deliver. Its recycling service allows the company to meet two primary objectives: it prevents the requirement for clients to send discarded plastic window and door frame waste to landfill and, secondly, it enables Eurocell to recycle the old plastic window and door frame waste into new PVC-U extrusions used to create the range of products demanded by the trade and consumers.

Two busy waste plastic recycling plants drive the Eurocell-Recycle service, and their combined efforts is delivering tangible benefit.
Based on a ‘closed loop’ recycling system that deals with both post-consumer and post-industrial plastic window waste, the plants are responsible for processing over 40,000 tonnes of plastic window and door frame waste per year – a figure that has been steadily rising as demand for recycled product solutions has grown in recent years.

The closed loop system is a six-stage recycling process. Old and discarded plastic windows, door frames and other plastic offcuts are collected by Eurocell’s fleet from company sites and waste management centres across the UK. On arrival, the material is sorted and separated to divide metals, white polymer, and coloured materials, as well as capturing material which is non-recyclable.
After a transformative process which creates a powder or pellet form, the recycled plastic is used together with virgin PVC-U material by Eurocell to manufacture its extensive range of extruded plastic products.

Recycled PVC-U product choices can support future sustainability ambitions for the construction industry. The challenging targets set by Part L and FHS as we enter a transformative period for the sector, means that the spotlight will remain firmly on those charged with making the sustainability product calls needed if net zero by 2050 is to be achieved.

For more information about Eurocell’s range of PVC-U solutions

and its commitment to a sustainable future, CLICK HERE

/0 Comments/by
© Copyright MMCMAG |MMC is published by Waverley Publications Limited Registered office Sibrwd Y Dwr, Station Road, Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, LL37 2JS Reg. No. 13018966| powered by Blue Sky Hosts Ltd | You may read our privacy policy *here*

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more