for decades in order to use cheap renewable energy sources . Now the industry is turning to hydrogen power to further reduce embodied carbon .
Aluprof are proud to be leading this low-carbon revolution , using a greater mix of recycled content to prime in aluminium can reduce embodied carbon to a very low parameter of just 2.79 tCO2e ( Tonnes of CO2 equivalent ) per tonne of aluminium . These low-carbon billets are manufactured at the group ’ s low-carbon Kęty line at the factory in the southern Polish town of Kęty . These low levels of emissions have been achieved thanks to the use of the company ’ s cutting-edge plant for the manufacturing process and utilising a high content of secondary raw materials in the form of recycled aluminium scrap at an average level of 65 %. Whilst to some this may seem to still be a high carbon price to pay , consider the carbon savings using a product containing aluminium during its long life span , compared to alternative materials which can create more carbon in use during their lifetime .
DOORS , WINDOWS & FITTINGS
Architects understandably want to specify lowcarbon aluminium for future projects but with global aluminium recycling running at about 33 % of all aluminium output , to source 65 % scrap for specific projects will often mean extended lead times should be catered for . The Aluprof UK field team are always on hand to advise specifiers on what can be achieved for any given project and how further carbon savings can be achieved through the supply chain .
Not being complacent at this level of carbon content , Aluprof are committed to further reducing carbon emissions in production that will occur over the coming years using new and emerging technologies . But , we need also to consider aluminium ’ s considerable benefits in use , particularly in facades . Whilst we know of aluminium ’ s light weight and its ability to be easily shaped through various processes , its long life in use is what impresses specifiers and clients alike .
One of the oldest first uses of aluminium in fenestration is the well documented Bodleian Library in Oxford . Aluminium windows from James Gibbons were installed in the ‘ New University Library ’ at Oxford University 85 years ago , further highlighting aluminium ’ s extraordinarily long service life . The building , designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and built between 1937 and 1939 , was a much needed addition to the Bodleian Library whose collections are used by scholars from around the world . The windows were inspected and chemically cleaned ten years ago and they are expected to continue performing well into the current century .
One of the latest projects to be completed with an aluminium facade is the ground breaking Forge in London . The Forge is the first commercial building constructed and operated in line with the UK ’ s Green Building Council net zero definition and energy reduction targets . It comprises two new
Bodleian Library
office buildings and a public courtyard . Located on Sumner Street , The Forge is a Landsec office development located just behind Tate Modern in London and is one of the most innovative projects in London , pioneering several new construction methods fit for the decades ahead .
Breaking new ground , the project is the world ’ s first large-scale office scheme to be built using a standardised “ kit of parts ”, in an approach known as ‘ platform design for manufacture and assembly ’ ( P-DfMA ), which applies the advances made by the manufacturing industry to construction . Aluprof UK were invited to take an early design role in developing a unitised facade system , the MB-SE120 which has a UW value of < 1.3 W ( m2K ) that meets the P-DfMA specification pioneered by architects and engineers Bryden Wood . Construction was led by Sir Robert McAlpine and Mace , working together in an innovative joint venture ( JV ) partnership .
Using the latest anodising and fabrication technology the life expectancy of the facade on the Forge can be assured for many decades ahead - a testament to aluminium ' s continuing sustainability .
Aluprof are proud to be one of Europe ' s largest aluminium systems companies . Specification support is available through the company ’ s website at aluprof . co . uk , directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning + 44 ( 0 ) 161 941 4005 .
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