The need to take action on the climate crisis is more important than it has ever been. Sustainable sourcing and the de-carbonisation of buildings is on top of the global agenda in tackling emissions, particularly within the construction industry. Buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.[¹]
So what does this mean in terms of housebuilding? Demands for more housing remain high, but how can contractors and builders, including those in the MMC sector, keep building and be more sustainable? Part of the answer lies in the need to making a conscious effort to choose sustainable building materials from sustainable businesses.
Sustainability matters
As a market leading manufacturer of environmentally conscious engineered wood panels, our commitment to sustainability is core to all levels of our business at MEDITE SMARTPLY; from our sustainably managed forests [²], to the manufacture of low embodied carbon materials, which contribute to sustainable building. We are endeavouring to become a recognised industry leading sustainable manufacturer through a number of ways. Firstly, it is our ambition to move towards carbon neutrality by 2030. Carbon neutrality refers to balancing emissions with removals before offsetting residual. We can do this through scope 1 (emissions that are direct from owned or controlled sources) & scope 2 (emissions that are indirect from purchased sources). Secondly, we aim to support our customers and partners to be able to demonstrate their reduced impact on the environment by 2030. Going forward, we plan to run customer workshops to identify areas where support can be given.
Thirdly, we will also be working with our suppliers to reduce our impact on the environment by 2030 (scope 3 – this covers all of the other indirect emissions throughout the company’s supply chain, including transport, purchased goods and use of products sold). Lastly, we are committed to being a net zero manufacturing company by 2050, reducing carbon emissions across our business and supply chains. This refers to reducing relevant scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to zero, or to a residual level in line with reaching net zero emissions in alignment with the global 1.5°C reduction pathways – making this an important goal for MEDITE SMARTPLY. Chris King, Managing Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY commented:
“We have the products and the technology to really make a difference in the building and construction industry. We are taking action, and we’re taking steps not only to make environmentally conscious products for the end user, but to also make the business more sustainable by moving towards carbon neutrality by 2030 and being committed to becoming a net zero manufacturing company by 2050 – our ultimate goal.
“Our business has been sourcing 100% green electricity since 2021, which has helped to further reduce our carbon impact. Currently, 95% of energy sourced by MEDITE SMARTPLY used across our direct operations is renewable.” Innovative engineered wood panels
MEDITE SMARTPLY’s environmentally conscious products ensure a sustainable building material, storing carbon throughout their lifetime. Sourced from our sustainably managed FSC certified forests in Ireland, MEDITE SMARTPLY’s engineered wood panels are proof of the company’s commitment to creating products that contribute to sustainable and healthier environments. Both the MDF and OSB ranges provide some of the most environmentally efficient building materials on the market, with product-specific Type 3 Environmental Product Declaration [³] to support this.
A spotlight on SMARTPLY
SMARTPLY OSB is made using only newly grown pine and spruce, including the tops which are not used to make any other wood-based product. It’s manufactured by compressing precisely engineered strands of woods with moisture resistant resins at high temperature to create an incredibly strong and versatile panel suitable for onsite and offsite construction.
MEDITE SMARTPLY produce two grades of SMARTPLY: OSB/3 and OSB/4 SMARTPLY MAX is an OSB/3 panel that is suitable for use in, walls, floors and roofing systems. For applications where increased strength and moisture resistance is needed, there is SMARTPLY ULTIMA – a high strength OSB/4 panel. For applications where enhanced fire protection is needed, there is SMARTPLY MAX FR B. This structural, moisture resistant OSB/3 panel has a water-based, non-toxic flame retardant solution built-in that boasts outstanding and reliable reaction to fire properties. All panels are manufactured in accordance with EN 300 performance standard and are suitable in service class 1 or 2 applications.
CLICK HERE For more information on MEDITE SMARTPLY’s sustainability ethos
and to see how its full range of products can help with MMC in mind
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