Environmental

AIRTEC aerated blocks are among the most environmentally friendly building products available. Every part of the AIRTEC process – from selection of raw materials, energy-saving manufacturing technology, through to delivery – is done with maximising energy efficiency. Here are some of the key reasons why AIRTEC blocks are among the ‘greenest’ available.

 

RECYCLED RAW MATERIALS…….

Three of the five raw materials used in the AIRTEC process are by-products from other manufacturing processes that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
 
The primary raw material in the AIRTEC process is Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA).
PFA is an unavoidable by-product of the coal-fired power generation process which is normally stockpiled in huge unsightly mounds or is dumped at sea. By using PFA in the AIRTEC process, we are making a significant contribution to the reduction of otherwise useless, non-degradable stockpiles. A major advantage of using PFA in the AIRTEC process is that it confers a major increase in the durability of the block when used in sulphate soil conditions and when exposed to the elements.
 

NO PROCESS WASTE……….

  • Every bit of raw material brought into the process is completely used up – nothing goes to waste.
  • During production any material not making it into the product is recycled into the next mix.
  • Any cured product that cannot be recycled back into the process is re-used in our aggregate block plants.
  • Unlike any other aircrete plant, you will not see massive plumes of waste steam flowing from the factory, visible for miles, signifying a terrible waste of energy! All of our excess energy is captured and re-used.
  • No steam escapes from our process, no water escapes from our process.
  • Every bit of steam generated during the curing process is either transferred to be used for curing the next autoclave of blocks, or is condensed and used back in the process for making more mixes.
  • The process generates absolutely zero by-products.
  • The AIRTEC process requires less steam for curing and pre-heating the curing vessels than the old process technology used throughout the UK.
  • The very latest, energy-efficient boiler technology is used to produce the steam for curing the product.
  • No mains water at all is used in the AIRTEC process.
 

LIGHTWEIGHT BLOCKS – EASIER TO TRANSPORT…….

Due to the manufacturing process where millions of tiny air cells are generated in the mixture prior to steam curing – rather like baking a cake – an AIRTEC block comprises of up to 60% air by volume. This gives the blocks their incredibly low weight which in turn means more packs per lorry load than conventional building blocks and therefore, less lorry journeys required; saving fuel and reducing exhaust emissions.
 
 

THERMALLY EFFICIENT, ACOUSTICALLY EFFICIENT AND FIRE-RESISTANT BLOCKS………

AIRTEC blocks are extremely thermally efficient which greatly reduces the need for additional insulation products to achieve the required U-Values as set out in the Building Regulations. In fact, the thermal conductivity values of AIRTEC blocks are the very best available!
 
In addition, the acoustic insulation and Class A1 fire protection achieved with AIRTEC constructions again means less additional materials needed to comply with the regulations.
 
 
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