INDUSTRY NEWS
equates to approximately 33 % of all our global current demand . As it takes just 5 % of the Primary aluminium production energy to recycle aluminium there is such a high demand for scrap aluminium which retains its value , so utilising aluminium in building construction could be seen as a long term financial investment . This high value of scrap aluminium can go someway to help invest in replacement facades on existing buildings giving them a new life at a fraction of the cost of rebuilding . When we do undertake deconstruction at the end of buildings useful life , we can view our cities as local ‘ Urban Mines ’ for construction material , aluminium in particular being easily and efficiently being recycled back into the same products .
To achieve this goal CAB continue to pioneer a ‘ closed loop ’ recycling initiative which helps keep architectural grade extrusion alloys together in a single grade which both further maximises the value of the scrap aluminium and ensures it quality for future use . Closed loop recycling is not mandatory yet in the UK , but legislation does exist in other countries in Europe . All CAB members are free to join the scheme
and proudly display their adherence to the scheme which is recognised by main contractors .
It is CAB ’ s opinion that whilst U values are an important demonstration of a building products thermal performance , the Government is becoming over reliant on this measurement . All new homes can be produced to be carbon neutral , but 80 % of all our homes that will exist in 2050 are already built and continue to fall well short of being carbon neutral . So why do we not make incremental insulation improvements now that will reduce energy consumption ? Together with a closed loop recycling initiative , incremental improvements in thermal insulation as technology advances , enables an incremental approach to reaching the carbon neutral goal for all our buildings .
Our systems company members are already seeing that large commercial properties are being refurbished , but , not all with the highest thermal performing window or facade systems . Updating building fabric , including windows and facades , offers an immediate payback with the energy saved in heating or cooling the property . In some instances this can be seen as a payback within a five year period . This makes an incremental approach to achieving carbon neutrality more realistic and one that will save both energy and costs in the short term .
We can all do our bit to reduce carbon construction , businesses can do a lot more to demonstrate their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint in both operations and products they produce . CAB are leading the way as the voice of aluminium in the UK and Ireland . As EPD ’ s ( Environmental Product Declarations ) begin to be requested on more projects CAB are in the process of producing generic EPD ’ s for their members demonstrating the environment credentials for the use of aluminium in fenestration .
www . c-a-b . org . uk
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM JANUARY 2023
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