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In a world which is becoming ever more conscious about human impact, eco-friendly construction is more important now, than ever before. As we become increasingly aware of the impact of climate change and the need for sustainable practices, the construction industry is taking active steps towards reducing waste and minimising its carbon footprint.
Construction waste is one of the largest sources of landfill in the world, and current construction practices are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Thankfully, Edge Building Products is here to offer a range of eco-friendly products that can help you and your clients reduce the impact construction has on the environment. Our eco-friendly products include fibre cement cladding, composite decking, and Britmet roofing tiles which we will cover in this blog. Additionally, we will explore the importance of energy ratings on windows and doors, and how investing in energy efficient products can also make a difference when it comes to designing, building and living with sustainability in mind.
Fibre Cement Cladding:
Fibre cement cladding is an excellent option for exterior cladding on residential and commercial buildings. It is the ultimate alternative to wood, made from a blend of natural materials, including cement and cellulose fibres and it is virtually maintenance-free, which is a huge bonus. It is also fire-resistant and insulating, making it perfect for eco-friendly construction.
At Edge, we supply the Hardie plank system by James Hardie, sold with a 15 year warranty. The benefits of James Hardie fibre cement cladding include:
- Low maintenance
- Weather resistant – it doesn’t shrink, crack or warp
- Fire resistant – non-combustible A2 fire rated
- Lightweight for easy installation – it is lighter yet stronger and easier to handle than many alternative materials
- Eco-friendly
Catering for the modern design aesthetic, it is also available in either Smooth or Cedar (timber like) textures, in 21 colours for Hardie® Plank cladding and finished with unique ColourPlusTM Technology, a multi-coat, baked-on finish that gives a durable, fade-resistant finish that lasts for years to come.
Composite Decking:
Composite decking is fast becoming a popular choice for patios and outdoor living spaces. It is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibres, making it highly durable and sustainable. It doesn’t require any maintenance or painting and has an impressive lifespan whilst being extremely easy to clean.
The decking range offered by Edge Building Products boasts two exciting ranges of composite deck boards, each available on short lead times, so as not to keep both our clients, or yours, waiting.
Our Signature decking boards are capped wood-polymer composite (WPC) decking boards, providing a timeless and classic wood-grain appearance. Edge’s Signature boards have a different colour each side which means you can use one product to create a contrasting decking if required…. Teak & Mahogany are on one board and Silver Birch and Ebony are on the other.
Our Classic wood-polymer composite (WPC) Decking Boards have a contemporary, grooved appearance for that quintessential composite look. Each board has two styles (one with wider spacing between grooves, and the other with a thinner spacing), and because they are reversible, they offer greater design possibilities.
Britmet Roofing Tiles:
Roofing tiles have long had a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a building and an effectively roofed building can help reduce electricity uses and bills.
Britmet roof tiles are based in the UK and made from recycled aluminium and steel, making them a sustainable solution to roofing. The leading tile manufacturer are proud to state that: “Britmet’s myriad of tile profiles are provided with a 40-year weather penetration guarantee* and an estimated life cycle of 60 years, meaning you won’t be in a hurry to replace them! However, if you are concerned for your next generation, our tiles are recyclable at their end-of-life cycle.”
At Edge, we proudly stock the LiteSlate range by Britmet, a composite slate modelled on a real Welsh slate to create not only realistic aesthetics but also performance qualities. Unlike natural slate, composite slate won’t chip or delaminate due to the industry changing design and manufacturing process. Over 90% of the polymers used to create LiteSlte have been recycled and Britmet are proud to announce that in 2021 alone, they ‘recycled over three million kilograms of polypropylene during the manufacturing process’.
The LiteSlate takes into account modern design aesthetics and trends and as such, is available in a range of styles and colours. We stock Ash, Amethyst, Oak, Charcoal, Slate Grey, Sunshine and Sunset, giving your clients the freedom to reach their design ideals.
Energy Ratings on Windows:
Another important factor that homeowners and builders should consider when trying to construct with sustainability in mind is the energy rating on windows. Up to 30% of a building’s heating energy can escape through its windows, which can cause significant increases in energy consumption, waste and expense.
Windows that have a high energy rating can help reduce this energy loss and save on electricity bills. Edge Building Products offer a range of energy-efficient windows in various materials, including aluminium, timber, and uPVC. Windows are graded for their efficiency using an energy-rating scale which ranges from A++ to E.
Here at Edge Building Products, we take pride in supplying the latest technological innovations on the market, including high A+14 energy efficiency options as well as high-security locking systems too. Our extensive PVC window range includes casement windows, French casement windows, flush sash windows, tilt & turn windows, sash horn windows, sliding sash windows, and vertical sliding windows.
All of our windows are created bespoke to the client, so to enquire about windows and obtain a quote, you can email us your specifications at [email protected], or submit an enquiry on our website. You can also reach us by phone at 0345 021 3333.
In conclusion, construction is a crucial industry for economic growth, but it’s vital to move towards sustainable practices to protect our environment. Edge Building Products offers a range of eco-friendly products that help reduce the impact of construction waste and carbon footprint.
Our range of sustainable products offer long-lasting solutions that are low maintenance, and as the construction sector begin to adopt eco-friendly solutions, our communities will be healthier, safer, and more sustainable for generations to come.
To support our clients in being able to achieve this, we have three trade counters across the South East in Chichester, Croydon and Horsham with convenient opening hours for our customers too: Monday – Friday 7am to 4:30pm.
Our clients are at the heart of what we do and we are passionate about going the extra mile to support them where we can, from Next Day Delivery on orders placed before 3pm to dedicated Trade accounts and free hot drinks on our trade counters, we are here for the trade!
28th September 2023