As the construction industry works towards net zero, window and door specification has an important role to play in creating more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
Join Eurocell for this CPD UK Verified Lunch & Learn, exploring how fenestration choices can influence operational and embodied carbon, material use and whole-life building performance.
The session will cover:
Material selection, durability and maintenance
Recycled content, closed-loop recycling and the circular economy
Whole-window performance, including U-values, G-values and Psi-values
Lifecycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations
Recyclability and end-of-life considerations
The importance of accurate, product-specific performance data
What you’ll learn
Gain practical knowledge to help you make more informed fenestration choices that support sustainability, regulatory compliance and long-term building performance.
In a first for UK roofing, Edgemere 2.0 combines Marley’s familiar concrete roof tile specification with carbon-capture cement technology and Carbon Bank evidence supplied for every order.
The carbon reduction story behind Edgemere 2.0* begins with the cement. CO₂ from cement production is captured at source, before it enters the atmosphere, and permanently stored beneath the seabed. The carbon reduction is then recorded in the publicly available Carbon Bank, which allocates captured and stored CO₂ reductions to specific Edgemere 2.0 orders, with full end-to-end traceability through an Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC).
The launch responds to a market in which embodied-carbon evidence is moving from optional to expected. For the public sector and increasingly housing providers, product-level carbon evidence is becoming part of the specification process.
Sustainability leads, along with quantity surveyors and architects, are frequently asked to produce verifiable, product-level carbon evidence and do so without redrawing details or rewriting specifications.
Edgemere 2.0 expands the Edgemere range by offering a low carbon option with a Global Warming Potential (GWP Fossil) of just 1.86kg CO2e per m² from cradle to gate, whilst retaining the familiar thin leading edge, technical performance and dimensions of Edgemere together with a Green Guide A+ rating and BES 6001 Excellent certification.
The change is behind the tile: in the and the addition of verified, order-specific documentation. The Carbon Bank allocates reductions from actual captured and stored CO₂, to specific Edgemere 2.0 orders, with ownership of the EAC transferring to the final customer.
“Edgemere 2.0 is a significant step forward for Marley and for the roofing industry,” said Stuart Nicholson, Managing Director at Marley. “By introducing the UK’s first concrete roof tile to use carbon-capture cement technology, we’re supporting the industry’s transition to lower-carbon construction, with a documented carbon-evidence trail supplied for every Edgemere 2.0 order.”
Edgemere 2.0 is available in Smooth Grey. For more information, or to discuss your next project with one of our specification experts, visit www.marley.co.uk/Edgemere2
About the carbon evidence and end-to-end traceability
*Edgemere 2.0 is supported by Heidelberg Materials’ evoZero® carbon captured near-zero cement, enabled through the first carbon capture facility at its cement works in Brevik, Norway. To avoid the transport emissions that would be incurred by shipping from Brevik, Edgemere 2.0 CO₂ reduction can be transferred and attributed to locally sourced Heidelberg Materials cement.
A Carbon Bank withdrawal is made to reduce the corresponding Global Warming Potential (GWP Fossil) of the locally produced UK cement to zero. The carbon reduction is recorded in Heidelberg Materials’ publicly available Carbon Bank, which allocates captured and stored CO₂ reductions to each specific Edgemere 2.0 order, with full end-to-end traceability through an Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC).
Fourth-generation family-owned business, the Naylor Group, has won the coveted ‘Business of the Year’ award in the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards. Organised and hosted by the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, the highly sought-after awards celebrate the very best individuals and organisations operating throughout South Yorkshire.
Described as a ‘standout winner’, Naylor was recognised for transforming its business with a 2-year, £18m investment programme, a commitment to innovation, sustainability and employee development and a growth in sales to £70-million, all while championing inclusivity, mental health and community impact.
Edward Naylor, Naylor Chairman, comments: “We’ve been on quite a journey over the past few years. Historically, we manufactured clay pipes for the construction industry – but were seeing steady decline in demand. We recognised that we needed to adapt our business by diversifying our product range, entering new markets and perhaps most important of all, investing in the communities we serve, creating opportunities for the next generation to forge successful careers in the manufacturing sector.”
Founded 135 years ago and now employing 350 people, Naylor also won the Large Business of the Year Award and was highly commended for the Sustainability Award following the implementation of numerous sustainability initiatives which resulted in a 89% reduction in energy consumption and the repurposing of 7000 tonnes of plastic waste which would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
Yorkshire-based Naylor operates seven factories and its products are used extensively on civils, building and general construction projects throughout the UK. Three of its factories and some two-thirds of its employees are based in Barnsley.
Rockpanel, a leader in sustainable façade solutions, is proud to announce the release of new and improved product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across its entire product range. These enhanced EPDs provide a more precise assessment of the environmental impact of Rockpanel products, reaffirming the company’s commitment to transparency and sustainability in the building industry.
Commitment to sustainability
At Rockpanel, sustainability extends beyond aesthetics—it is about making a real impact by providing factual, data-driven insights into the environmental performance of materials. The newly updated EPDs reflect ongoing improvements across the entire value chain, demonstrating Rockpanel’s continuous efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
Enhanced transparency and continuous improvement
“Our enhanced product-specific EPDs allow for a more detailed and accurate evaluation of our products’ sustainability credentials,” said Jeroen Ebus, Managing Director at Rockpanel and adds. “With our commitment to continuous improvement, we expect these values to keep improving, reinforcing our dedication to a more sustainable built environment.”
Supporting the Construction Industry’s Sustainability Goals
Jeroen Ebus emphasize the company’s long-term vision for sustainability, stating, “At Rockpanel, we recognize that true sustainability requires constant innovation and transparency. Our updated EPDs provide our customers with the reliable data they need to make informed, environmentally responsible choices. This is another step forward in our mission to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.”
Remaining at the forefront with Cradle to cradle certification
As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes sustainable building solutions, Rockpanel remains at the forefront, providing architects, developers, and specifiers with reliable data to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. Demonstrating this commitment, Rockpanel last year became Cradle to Cradle certified on silver level for its popular product Rockpanel Colours. This certification highlights Rockpanel’s commitment to circularity, sustainable sourcing, and responsible manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable façade solutions.
For more information about Rockpanel’s sustainability initiatives and to access the new product-specific EPDs, visit www.rockpanel.co.uk
Facts:
What is an EPD?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that provides transparent and third-party verified information about a product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. It enables architects, developers, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions based on reliable sustainability data.
Eurocell, which operates the largest PVC-U recycling operation in the UK, achieved 32 per cent recycled PVC-U in extrusion in 2023, up from 27 per cent in 2021 – setting a new bar for recycled materials in the design and manufacture of its PVC-U windows and doors.
Eurocell’s dedication to sustainability is demonstrated through its innovative manufacturing processes, where its profiles division blends raw PVC resin with recycled materials sourced from the company’s cutting-edge recycling plants located in Selby, North Yorkshire, and Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
These facilities are pivotal in transforming factory offcuts and old window frames, which would likely end up in landfill, into reusable raw materials. In 2023 alone, Eurocell’s recycling operations saved the equivalent of approximately 3 million window frames from landfill. The business operates a closed-loop recycling system to ensure that waste PVC-U can be reused, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling at Eurocell, commented: “The increase to 32 per cent in the proportion of recycled materials in our extrusion process, is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how we are leading the way in PVC-U recycling.
“By integrating more recycled content into our products, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also provide our customers with high-quality, sustainable building solutions. We are helping the industry reduce waste and lower its carbon footprint, which is what we want our forward strategy to help deliver as we look to make further inroads in our recycling operation.”
Looking ahead, Eurocell has set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of recycled PVC-U in its products to 40% by 2030. The company’s recycling initiatives also extend beyond its own operations and they are actively working with third-party sites to optimise material recovery and reduce waste, aiming to increase the percentage of waste recycled to 88% by 2025 and to 93% by 2030.
Eurocell facilitates efficient PVC-U recycling for installers and fabricators through its closed-loop recycling system. By offering reliable and timely collections from any UK site, Eurocell ensures that PVC-U waste is managed responsibly. The service includes all aspects of waste management, from collection and transport to documentation, with waste transfer notes provided to demonstrate responsible handling – a testament to why the home improvement specialist won “Best PVC-U Manufacturer & Recycler 2023 – UK” at the Design and Build Awards 2023.
With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, Eurocell is leading the way in PVC-U recycling within the industry, providing sustainable, low-carbon products, to meet the growing demand for sustainable building products.
Sustainable Solutions
Eurocell’s Logik 70mm window system, delivers an energy performance specification of 1.2 U-value. Thisinnovative and sustainable window solution, features over 40% recycled PVC-U in the central core of the profile with virgin PVC-U on visible faces to ensure the same aesthetics and technical performance, but with more environmentally responsible credentials.
Exceeding Energy Efficiency Specifications
Eurocell has been pivotal in product design that not only keeps ahead of legislation changes but alsoenables design flexibility to meet any challenge, with an example being the Modus 75mm window system, with the ability to achieve 0.8 U-Value, offering slim sightlines that replicate those of an aluminium system, while supported with the manufacture process of more than >50% recycled content it drives the dedication to sustainability.
The Flood and Water Management Act Schedule 3 is expected to be implemented this year, which means sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) will become mandatory in England for a significant number of new and retrofit developments. In this article, Neill Robinson-Welsh, Consultant at ACO Building Drainage discusses the coming changes and what specifiers need to be aware of, especially when it comes to inner-city schemes and projects that involve blue green roofs.
With the implementation of Schedule 3 just over the horizon, it is important for specifiers working on property development projects to have a clear understanding of the new requirements and how their responsibilities will likely be impacted. By understanding Schedule 3, specifiers will be better positioned to select the roofing solutions that fall in line with regulations and help mitigate their project’s impact on the environment.
Schedule 3: an overview
Schedule 3 is an umbrella term encompassing several requirements related to sustainable drainage. It comes from the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and will mandate that all construction projects incorporate SuDS. While there is still some uncertainty, once it is implemented, Schedule 3 is expected to impact both new developments and renovation work on multiple dwelling units or properties over 100 square metres.
One major change with Schedule 3 will be that there will no longer be an automatic right to connect new and refurbished properties to public sewers. Instead, permission must be given and, in order to secure that permission, appropriate SuDS must be put in place and signed off by the local SuDS Approval Body (SAB). Each local authority will have its own SAB, and it is this body that ensures a drainage proposal meets the standards created by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
To meet Schedule 3 requirements, it is expected that demand for innovative drainage systems such as blue and blue green roofs will increase. These are viable solutions for many drainage projects in dense urban areas and have a proven record of their efficacy and sustainability.
The difference between blue and blue green roofs
Traditionally, roofs have been designed with the goal of removing water as quickly as possible. Blue and blue green roofs work very differently – intentionally slowing the flow of water off the roof using water storage, flow restrictors, and other features to avoid overwhelming sewers and create more sustainable drainage.
What differentiates blue from blue green roofs is that the latter is a home to live plants as well as flow slowing solutions. These plants can contribute to biodiversity and act as a natural carbon sink, improving the air quality of their immediate surroundings and offsetting carbon emissions. Many blue green roofs reuse some of the collected water to sustain the plants that fulfil the green aspects of the hybrid design which make them especially eco-friendly roofing options.
Relevant regulations
It’s important that specifiers keep in mind that drainage should be selected with those once-in-a-century rainfall events in mind, and not just accounting for average conditions. Along with this consideration, blue roofs need to be installed in compliance with BS EN 12056-3:2000, the British Standard for gravity drainage on flat roofs, as well as BS 6229:2018, for flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings.
On a technical level, it is worth noting that blue and blue green roofs made from solutions like ACO’s RoofBloxx shallow geocellular crates are attenuation systems and not roofs. Once installed, they sit on top of a roof, but function separately. It is this distinction that allows roofers to follow BS EN 12056-3:2000[1] and BS 6229:2018[2], which are two seemingly incompatible requirements. In practice, it means water should not be allowed to sit on top of the waterproofing layers as that can risk causing structural damage to the roof.
Industry changes can present challenges, so it is important to for specifiers to be up to date and able to make the right product selections. These can be based on specialist knowledge and experience when specifiers partner with drainage experts such as those at ACO. Demand is growing for solutions that are compliant with Schedule 3 and, by being familiar with available blue and blue green roof options available, specifiers will be well positioned to make informed choices that will benefit the project, the end user, and the environment.
For more on blue roof specification please visit ACO.co.uk.
[1] BS EN 12056-3:2000 contains design guidance for roof and paved area drainage.
[2] BS 6229:2018 outlines best practice for the design, construction and maintenance of roofs with a flat or curved surface.
At Addagrip, we stand as the unrivalled experts in commercial resin bound and resin bonded surfacing solutions. With a robust trading history spanning over four decades, we have carved out a reputation for delivering surfaces that are not only visually stunning but also built to last. Our products carry the prestigious BBA Certification, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.
Our resin systems are crafted to thrive in the bustling environments of commercial projects, blending unmatched durability with cutting-edge sustainability. Whether it’s the resilience of resin bound or the robustness of resin bonded solutions, Addagrip surfaces are engineered to handle the intensive demands of commercial spaces with unparalleled elegance and efficiency. Join us in leading the industry forward, where innovation meets excellence in every square meter of our surfacing solutions.
It can be said that every entertainment venue has a sole purpose: to transport their patrons into another world where their cares can be forgotten, if only temporarily. For those venues that wish to transport their guests to a bygone era of glitz and glamour, it can be challenging to strike the right balance between modern conveniences and historical preservation.
Lifts are a regular focus of this challenge in heritage buildings, and Blackpool Winter Gardens is no ordinary building. First opened in 1878, this Grade II Listed 3,000-seater entertainment complex has entertained countless millions throughout the history of the popular Lancashire seaside resort town. Like any other building with more than one level, the requirement to safely and reliably transport people from one floor to another, especially those with limited mobility, is an essential one.
The challenge
One of the lifts at the Blackpool Winter Gardens, located right next to the historic Opera House theatre, had been in desperate need of repair for a long time. Used to transport patrons up to the upper Circle and Balcony seating areas, it is an essential piece of infrastructure to allow step-free access to these sections. The existing OTIS passenger lift dated back to somewhere around the 1950s was only safely able to carry 4 persons or a maximum load of 380 kg, and looked very dated with its plain oak panelling.
The existing lift dated back to the 1950s and in looks did not quite match up to the richness of its surroundings.
Since the lift could not be repaired due to some of its components becoming obsolete, the lift had been long out of service until Stannah was selected to undertake a complete replacement.
“Stannah was the ideal choice for the replacement of our Opera House passenger lift, which had been out of service for over 12 months. Working with Stannah has been so easy, and constant communication was kept from start to finish.”
Philip Jackson, Head of Maintenance, Winter Gardens Blackpool
The client
Winter Gardens became a popular trend in the late 1800s in numerous seaside resorts and spas, and were so called because they offered the possibility of extending the fun and entertainment of the summer season into the cold and darkness of winter. The Winter Gardens entertainment complex in Blackpool includes a theatre, ballroom and conference facilities and has been rebuilt and added to many times over the decades.
The beautiful Art Deco interior of the Blackpool Winter Gardens Opera House, reconstructed in 1939, oozes sophistication and character.The opulent interior of the Opera House, which seats a total of 3,000 people.
The Opera House is one of the UK’s largest theatres and continues to attract some of the world’s biggest touring shows and events to Blackpool. The iconic theatre has seen a host of famous stars on its stage since it first opened in 1939, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Shirley Bassey.
The result
The project manager from Stannah, Lee Mahoney, worked in close collaboration with the Winter Gardens’ head of maintenance Phil Jackson to design a lift that would complement the iconic architecture and decor of the first and third floors. Stannah also designed the brass plates on the landings to give a glamorous look to the control panel with its retro push buttons.
The new Stannah lift features reflective surfaces to add the perception of depth to the floor space of the lift, as well as touches that reflect the glitz and glamour of the Arts and Crafts Movement, such as brass panels and handles.
Stannah provided a new Xtralift passenger lift, which is much more energy efficient than its predecessor. It offers a capacity of 8 persons or a maximum load of 630 kg.
Although there were some challenges involved in the installation process, such as large heating pipes which had to be removed in the shaft, and having to avoid noisy works during opera and cinema shows on certain days, these issues were worked around with good communication on both sides, and the installation was completed in 8 weeks.
“Stannah has been great to work with from start to finish. They have impressed us so much that I am once again working with them on our replacement program for another two lifts.”
Philip Jackson, Head of Maintenance, Winter Gardens Blackpool
With its 150-year history, Stannah truly understands the importance of heritage, and with their Stannah Promise, also live up to their company values on a daily basis to offer Blackpool Winter Gardens the perfect mix of quality, safety, sustainability, reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Addagrip Terraco, a prominent player in the resin surfacing industry, is making waves with its steadfast commitment to sustainability, customer value, and ongoing growth. With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices, a recent update to their price list, and the addition of new team members, Addagrip Terraco is poised to deliver exceptional solutions and cement their position as an industry leader.
Driving Sustainability:
At the heart of Addagrip Terraco’s ethos lies a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. From responsibly sourcing materials to adopting eco-conscious manufacturing processes, Addagrip Terraco is actively reducing its ecological footprint. By choosing Addagrip Terraco’s resin surfacing solutions, customers can be confident that they are investing in environmentally responsible products that prioritise longevity, minimising waste, and promoting a greener future for generations to come.
Competitive Pricing for Customer Value:
In line with their dedication to customer satisfaction, Addagrip Terraco has recently unveiled an updated price list. This strategic move aims to enhance transparency and provide customers with competitive pricing for their resin surfacing needs. Addagrip Terraco’s unwavering focus on delivering value for money ensures that customers receive top-quality products at fair and competitive prices, strengthening their trust in the brand and fostering long-lasting partnerships.
Welcoming Fresh Perspectives:
Addagrip Terraco is thrilled to announce the addition of talented individuals to their expanding team. These new team members bring fresh perspectives, expertise, and creativity, further strengthening Addagrip Terraco’s ability to deliver outstanding solutions and exceptional service to their clients. By investing in talent and cultivating a collaborative work environment, Addagrip Terraco ensures that their team stays at the forefront of industry trends and innovation.
Conclusion:
Addagrip Terraco continues to pave the way as a sustainable industry leader, offering innovative resin surfacing solutions that prioritise longevity and eco-conscious practices. Their recent updates to the price list provide customers with transparency and competitive pricing, enabling them to plan their projects effectively. With a dedicated team of professionals, Addagrip Terraco remains focused on delivering exceptional value and unrivalled service to their clients. By choosing Addagrip Terraco, customers can be confident in their decision to support a company that is committed to sustainability, customer satisfaction, and driving positive change in the industry.
Eurocell is working with a unique, not-for-profit window and door manufacturer. Created to provide social value, it is making a positive contribution to its local community and delivering commercial success.
Originated by Bradford Metropolitan District Council in 1997, it is a social enterprise designed to create career opportunities for local disabled and disadvantaged workers and supply high quality product solutions for social housing, care homes, and hospitals across the Yorkshire area.
However, their roots stretch back much further, with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) establishing a support service to help incapacitated service people returning from World War 1 back into employment.
Having teamed up with Eurocell four years ago, ISG is enjoying commercial growth and healthy not-for-profit revenues that are reinvested into the business. Its success is built on delivering the very best customer experience; one that helps generate repeat business, customer loyalty and, in recent times, the emergence of new prospects in the new build sector.
Darren Shaw, General Manager from ISG commented: “Around half of our workforce has a form of disability or comes from a disadvantaged background. We are an inclusive organisation and offer career chances for many who would be otherwise excluded from the workplace. We tap into their enthusiasm, skills and commitment and it’s rewarding for everyone to see our people develop, gain self-confidence, and go onto thrive in a busy commercial environment.”
The complete solution
Eurocell is ISG’s exclusive supplier of extruded profiles from which the company designs, manufactures, and installs a wide range of window and door solutions. As well as guaranteeing a high-quality PVC-U profile, Eurocell’s technical support team is also on hand to offer advice and guidance around more complex specification issues such as helping to undertake wind calculations on proposed higher rise structures.
ISG’s service offering also includes in-house surveying capacity to ensure that prospective orders are seamlessly managed from initial enquiry to final installation.
Journey to zero waste
And the company is also on its own sustainability journey as Darren Shaw, explains: “ISG is committed to a zero waste to landfill policy which means we are looking to recycle post-consumer waste and PVC-U offcuts rather than simply sending them to landfill facilities.
“This is part of our ongoing journey in addressing our environmental responsibilities and helping play our part in tackling the climate emergency. We recognise Eurocell’s outstanding recycling and sustainability efforts which underpin how it operates, and, together, we will continue to enhance processes and procedures to make a positive contribution to the world around us.”
ISG is making a difference within its local community, both in terms of creating rewarding career paths and delivering a quality-led PVC-U window and door service that is valued, respected and, best of all, in demand.
With the motivation and potential to see the enterprise continue its growth trajectory, the management, and employees at ISG are set to generate further social and environmental value for the people of Bradford.
Join Eurocell for this CPD UK Verified Lunch & Learn, exploring how fenestration choices can influence operational and embodied carbon, material use and whole-life building performance.
