Sustainability

BRE "A+" Rating for Clay Roof Tiles

The NEW Building Research Establishment "Green Guide to Specification", gives the generic category 'Clay Roof Tiles' an "A+" rating, while second hand Clay Roof Tiles also receive an A+ Rating.  Products are categorised through an A+,A, B or C rating with an "A+" rating denoting the least environmental impact.

The BRE assume for their 'life cycle analysis' a period of 60 years in their calculations for clay tiles, however there are many examples of Dreadnought Tiles, over 100 years old, still in use and often re-utilised when a roof is restored.

We have always argued that the thriving second hand market for plain clay tiles is the best evidence of the sustainability of plain clay tiles.  Often second hand tiles that have been on roofs for in excess of 100 years sell for more than new tiles.  This is certainly not the case for concrete tiles!

Sustainable development is about delivering a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.  The Government has defined four key objectives, the integration of which will deliver sustainable development.

• Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
• Effective protection of the environment
• Prudent use of natural resources
• Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

Prudent use of Natural Resources

Our task is to use our resources as efficiently as possible, to reduce waste, reduce the energy used in manufacture, encourage the re-use of materials and ensure our products have the longest possible lifespan.  When looking at energy use it is appropriate that the quantity of resources consumed is evaluated over the whole life of the product.  Also the evaluation should cover the total quantity of energy embodied in the product and include all material and energy inputs in the supply chain.  Transport is a big issue and special consideration should be given to the environmental costs from imports into the UK of heavy clay products.

Plain clay tiles mellow with age and at the end of the building's useful life they are recycled back on to other roofs.  The buoyant second hand market for plain clay tiles is proof of this.

At Dreadnought we are continuously investing to make the exploitation of clay as efficient as possible:

• Our quarry is located a few hundred metres from the Works, minimising transport.
• We minimise the waste of clay in the production process by recycling unfired clay.
• Water pollution is minimised as no additives or pigments are used on Dreadnought Tiles.
• We are continuously investing in more fuel efficient production.  It is imperative in this climate of high energy costs.
• We avoid the use of unnecessary packaging for our products, Dreadnought Tiles are packed on pallets without shrink wrapping.

A positive contribution to the built environment

The UK has an ongoing need for both new housing and the renovation of existing housing stock to meet the demands of demographic change.  Accepted forecasts indicate that around three million homes will need to be built over the next 20 years.

Buildings roofed with plain clay tiles have proved themselves to be sustainable because:

• They are extremely durable, provide protection from the weather and are fire resistant.  Their longevity is an even greater advantage since the appearance is enhanced with age
• The flexibility of plain clay tiles make them a particularly suitable material for building renovation and alteration
• Established standards, technical specifications and characteristics ensure its reliability in service
• Any in service maintenance cost are highly infrequent and low

Visual Environment

The acceptability of built development and its contribution to social progress depends to a large degree on aesthetics.  Government advice and planning guidance recognises the importance of design and appearance in producing an environment in which to live and work.  Plain clay tiles make a significant contribution because:

• Its texture and colour harmonise with our natural surroundings, making it an acceptable part of both urban and rural landscapes
• There is a wide variety of product of differing appearance determined by the clays used and production techniques applied
• The extent of product range permits its use in a wide variety of styles, both by itself and in conjunction with other materials
• Choice of colour, texture and form can preserve continuity within particular locations
• The requirement of planners and architects for materials reflecting local distinctiveness and sense of place can often be met only by plain clay tiles

Energy Consumption

The heavy clay industry is energy intensive, its annual consumption of energy is around 5.4 Terawatt hours.  However, this represents less than 1.5% of total consumption by UK manufacturing industry.

Comparative figures for other energy intensive industries are:

Chemicals                                                   89.5 Twh
Iron and Steel                                             56.0 Twh
Metal                                                          52.3 Twh
Food and beverage                                      47.4 Twh
Heavy clay                                                    5.4 Twh

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