Thomas Armstrong - Divisions

Sustainability

Sustainability

Througout the Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd group, we strive to maximise the sustaiability credentials of our products. Some of the ways in which we do this are as follows:

The use of reclaimed aggregates in our dense concrete block range

These include reclaimed blast-furnace slag and finely crushed glass sand - both of these products enhance the quality of our products and would otherwise be sent to landfill.

The recycling of products in our lightweight and Airtec block ranges (up to 95% is used)

The main source of lightweight aggregates that we use is furnace bottom ash (FBA) and pulverised fuel ash (PFA) from local coal-fired power stations. These by-products of electricity generation would otherwise be sent to landfill or be dumped at sea.

Minimising the energy involved in producing the products

We are continually updating equipment in our factories to be as energy efficient as possible and wherever possible minimise the use of mains water in our processes. Furthermore we maximise the insulation of our dense and lightweight block curing kilns so that they can cure and harden under their own heat without the use of secondary gas or oil heating.

Informing the public about the long-term benefits of masonry construction

Masonry houses are heavier and contain more thermal mass than framed constructions - fact. This means that the building itself acts as a heat store which stores heat throughout the day and releases it at night. The effect of this is to reduce the need for secondary heating or cooling systems, smoothing out the seasonal temperature highs and lows within the building which can be quite extreme for framed buildings.Over the lifetime of the building, the carbon emissions of a masonry house is lower therefore. For more infomation, please see the document opposite regarding the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Demonstrating sustainable construction

A 2-layer solid masonry wall can achieve extremely low u-values of 0.14 along with excellent acoustic and air-tightness characteristics required to meet Code Levels 3 and 4 of the Code for Sustainable homes. This simple, affordable and repeatable building method enables builders to easily meet the Code requirements whilst at the same time building durable, user-freindly houses in a style we are all used to. Please visit our website section on the Code 3 House.

Supporting local economies and British jobs

We make blocks locally throughout the North of England and use local sources of raw materials. We use local labour and transport companies to deliver our products. This keeps our carbon footprint to an absolute minimum as well as eliminating the need to import materials from abroad as the timber frame manufacturers have to. We strongly support the Keep Britain Building campaign by 'Masonry First' www.masonryfirst.com.