British Precast [The British Precast Concrete Federation] today launched a bold initiative to lead the industry to new heights of sustainability, safety and quality performance.
From May this year, BPCF will make it mandatory for all members of the UK concrete products trade body to sign up to the British Precast Charter scheme.
This scheme sets out a challenging set of performance targets, which will are aimed at improving wellbeing in the industry, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and waste from the £2 billion precast industry.
As well as minimising energy and materials waste, the British Precast Charter mark proves precast companies are striving for the highest standards in health and safety and delivering on quality.
All firms must also commit to the industry's health and safety scheme, Concrete Targets 2015, which aims for a 50% reduction in lost time injuries from 2010 ultimately leading to a zero harm industry.
British Precast members will also be expected to achieve a set of internationally agreed quality and management standards and liaise with local communities where they manufacture.
Speaking at the Action Sustainability Conference on Sustainable Procurement today at Sainsburys London HQ Martin Clarke, chief executive of British Precast Concrete Federation, said: "We are the only construction products body operating such a scheme anywhere in the world.
"A lot of other construction sectors have made claims about their environmental credentials, safety and sustainability.
"We are actually demonstrating that our industry is leading the way with a set of mandatory pledges and collective, measureable targets that are audited for all to see."
He added that clients, designers and other industry stakeholders were rightly demanding higher standards in quality, safety and sustainability for construction products and services.
"The precast concrete products industry has taken big strides forward in recent years", Mr Clarke added.
"Along with the rest of the cement and concrete industry, we report on our safety and sustainability Key Performance Indicators every year and we set published, challenging targets."
He added: "When you see the British Precast Charter mark, you will know that company delivers to the highest standards of sustainability, health and safety and quality."
Firms wishing to join British Precast will be given a 12-month period of grace to comply with the charter scheme.
British Precast members have already collectively committed to 14 sustainability targets by 2012.
Efficient use of raw materials
- Reduce overall kWh / tonne of energy used in production by 10%
- 10% cut in CO2 emissions from production
- Cut waste to landfill by 10%
- Substitute 25% of cement used in production with alternatives
- Increase use of recycled or secondary aggregates to 25% of total
- Reducing mains water consumption by 5%
- Reducing ground water consumption by 5%
Improved management systems
- 10% reduction each year in reportable injuries per 100,000 direct employees
- Ensure 85% of production sites meet Environmental Management Systems, like ISO 14001.
- At least 85% of production sites achieve ISO 9001 or equivalent
- Reduce to zero convictions for air and water emissions
- Improving the capture of transport data
- Raise to 85% of employees covered by a certified management system (e.g. ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / OHSAS 18001)
- All relevant production sites must liaise with the local community
Mr Clarke added " We are working now with other members of the Sustainable Concrete Forum on our strategy and targets for 2020. Best practice is good business and the improvement agenda is the key for the future success of this industry and my members"
Supporting quotes from members are shown below.
British Precast
Raising the Bar - quotes from members
Steve Parker - Managing Director Buchan Concrete Solutions; Manufacturing Director Roger Bullivant Ltd ; President British Precast Concrete Federation
"When we approve members of BPCF, we don't just approve them on their financial performance, we approve them on what they can offer to the precast industry and ensure they meet the BPCF criteria, including signing up to the Health & Safety Concrete Targets 2015 Scheme and the Charter for Sustainability, we strive to offer continual improvement in all these aspects and meet not just the industry standard but, the BPCF standard..
The BPCF audits are on an ongoing basis, when you use a BPCF member they wear the BPCF badge, which gives all of you the assurance that they are a company that offers not just best price but best value.
If our clients themselves are raising their own standards and have to meet new regulations - BPCF continues to track the changes in regulations through product associations to ensure the concrete industry is your choice when making the decision on the type of construction.
We endeavour to strive for excellence. The "Raising the Bar Initiative" is a new and constructive way for us to continue to support our customers.
Using a BPCF member means you are using a quality company that has signed up to not only giving you best practice but an excellent service and quality product."
Chris Droogan - Managing Director, Brett Landscaping and Building Products
"Raising the Bar has provided the pre-cast industry with increased transparency regarding sustainability credentials. Brett fully support this initiative, which encourages and highlights the work of responsible manufacturers in driving towards the highest possible standards."
Richard Hartley - Head of Marketing, Monier Ltd
"Redland has an ongoing programme to improve its environmental performance, but we are only one company. We need our industry representatives to set targets, provide benchmarks and to monitor progress in order to ensure the whole industry moves forward at the speed of the best. We therefore welcome the BPCF's various initiatives in this area, and are very supportive of Raising the Bar."
Shamir Ghumra - Head of Sustainability, Aggregate Industries
"Raising the Bar seeks to build upon years of sustainability leadership shown by British Precast which, with the support of its members, has been incorporated into standard business practice for the betterment of the sector and customers alike."
Alan Cooper - Explore Manufacturing, Laing O'Rourke. Chairman of British Precast Sustainability and Environment Committee
"Raising the Bar, with full individual support from BPCF members, will ensure that all members will target Health and Safety and Sustainability as priorities and focus on these for continual improvement. Raising the Bar will also be an assurance to both business and customers that they can use BPCF members with the confidence in knowing that these important issues are responsibly monitored and progressed."
Neil Runkee - Director, Marshalls
"I believe the Charter initiative is essential in identifying and promoting the best our industry has to offer, hence providing independent and verifiable reassurance to our customers"
Eric England - Hanson Building Products, Chairman Box Culvert Association
"By being a Charter Member we are pledging to meet the demands, challenges and targets of the schemes which will ensure we are responsible for sustaining our environment by responsible sourcing, reducing carbon emissions and impacts on climate change and maintaining the health and safety of our people. Achieving these targets will ensure we are working together to improve the built environment and provide a sustainable future for our communities"
Peter Crofts - Precast Design Manager, SCC Ltd
"SCC is pleased to support Raising the Bar - working very hard with our peers to achieve the possible"
More information is available at http://www.bpcfcharter.com/ and at http://www.britishprecast.org/
