Sustainability

The key to maximising sustainability in an industry that uses mineral resources, is to ensure that the impact of operations is minimised wherever possible. This is best achieved by sourcing raw materials that have the least environmental impact at the point of extraction, are processed efficiently in accordance with environmental regulations and are available locally to reduce the effects of transport.

The use of recycled aggregates and by-products should also be increased as these become more available and of sufficient quality.

Reducing overall waste in the production operation is also an important part of minimising resource depletion, as well as looking at opportunities to recycle.

Along with responsible sourcing and use of materials, energy efficiency within the manufacturing process and distribution locally of finished products helps to reduce the impact on the environment.

Thakeham has a number of policies in place to ensure that the sustainability of its operations are maximised.

Responsible Sourcing of Materials

By weight, aggregates account for over 90% of the materials used in the manufacture of our products and are therefore the focus of this section.

• All aggregates are sourced from reputable companies compliant with the latest regulatory legislation and where appropriate, operating in accordance with ISO 14000.
• 60% of aggregates are from marine sources which have minimal visual environmental impact and are strictly controlled, and monitored, by government agencies.
• By-products of other industrial processes are utilised in certain products as aggregate replacements or pigments.
• Currently trials are being run to test the inclusion of recycled aggregates in some products
• All aggregates are transported by road no more than 50 miles and 75% of aggregates are transported less than 15 miles by road.

Efficient Energy Useage

By minimising energy use the depletion of natural resources can be further reduced as well as lowering the levels of embodied CO2 in our manufactured products. Equipment has been employed and processes developed to achieve this:

• Insulated curing chambers reduce heat loss and minimise additional heating required to initiate the curing process
• 24 hour curing period enables exothermic (self-generating) heat from the hydrated concrete to provide the majority of the energy to complete the curing process
• During the winter months additives rather than extra heat are added to the mix to aid curing
• Modern machinery is utilised with increasingly efficient electric motors and hydraulic drives
• Electric forklift trucks are preferred where possible
• Electricity useage, measured half hourly, is monitored to highlight areas for improvement.

Transport

Resource depletion through the use of fuel and the production of harmful pollutants, e.g C02 and NO2, are important factors when assessing the impact of transport. A number of practises have been implemented to achieve a reduction in these areas.

• Over 80% of our goods are delivered within a 50 mile radius helping to keep fuel useage per tonne of delivered goods to a minimum. Compared to nationally distributed goods over 5 times less fuel is used in the transport of our products and so pollutants are reduced by 80%, notably CO2.
• 80% of Company delivery vehicles meet London's LEZ emissions targets.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Keeping waste to a minimum, recycling where possible and using material from renewable sources siginifcantly contributes to lessening the environmental impact of operations.

• Packaging of finished product is kept to a minimum and where used is 100% recyclable.
• Wooden pallets are made from renewable resources and are recycled where possible.
• Non re-usable combustable waste is used in local waste to energy plants.
• 100% of concrete waste from production process is recycled.
• Packaging waste is collected and recycled.