Water and waste

We use abstracted ground and surface water and mains water for our process activities. The water is recycled within the process wherever possible and a high percentage is often returned to the natural system. 

Through the introduction of water-saving measures, we achieved an average consumption reduction of 6 per cent at our concrete batching sites in the midlands between 2005 and 2006.  We will continue to improve water efficiency wherever possible and are in the process of improving our water data collection to assist with the process.

We currently recycle water at many of our sites and are keen to increase this with further investment in appropriate equipment and facilities. 

Reducing waste

Although our levels of controlled waste are relatively minor in comparison to the volume of materials we produce, we aim to minimise the amount generated.  Within our building products division, we decreased our waste disposal rate by 25 per cent in 2006, and we are aiming to reduce this even further.

During our extraction and processing we aim to use as much material as possible in the production process.  Where surplus overburden or quarry production waste is generated, it is generally back-filled as part of landscaping and restoration activities.

In addition, a number of projects are under way aimed at increasing our use of recycled materials, including crushed concrete, construction and demolition waste, spent rail ballast and asphalt planings. These materials replace primary aggregates in added-value products such as ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and concrete blocks. 

A key example is in the production of GGBS, a by-product from the manufacture of iron. This is used in a third of all our ready-mixed concrete and can replace up to 50 per cent of the normal Portland cement content.  Up to 80 per cent of the material used in our Thermalite blocks is pulverised fuel ash (PFA), a by-product from coal burning power stations.  The incorporation of these materials in our products prevents them being sent to landfill.

Reducing emissions

Our activities are highly regulated by the Environment Agency and local authorities and we operate under various permits and consents.  We operate monitoring systems that ensure that our emissions remain below permitted levels.