FP McCann Precast Concrete Systems
As a Precast Concrete Systems manufacturer it is vital we realise the importance of Sustainable Construction within the Water and Sewerage Industry. Sustainability has become priority within the overall construction sector and demand has increased for sustainability to be integrated into all businesses.
As a supplier within the water sector the key driver regarding sustainability has been the new OFWAT PR09 policy which has placed an increased emphasis on the environmental and social impacts of business conducted.
FP McCann operates an Integrated Management System within its business. This is accredited to ISO 9001:2008, ISO14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007. All precast concrete drainage products are manufactured to BSI 5911 Kitemark accreditation and where applicable products are manufactured to relevant parts of BSEN 1916:2002 and 1917:2002. FP McCann place a great emphasis on environmental concerns and this is evident through our Quality Management System and in new product development where continuous improvements are evident through the reduction of our carbon footprint.
Comparative Sustainability within different Types of Pipeline Systems
IN 1999 the Dutch Consultancy INTRON was employed to carry out a comparative environmental life cycle assessment on 7 types of sewer pipeline systems within the UK. These included: concrete, clay, single wall uPVC, twin wall uPVC, ultrarib, twin wall Polypropylene and spirally wound HDPE.
The results of the study illustrated concrete pipeline systems as out-performing plastics on a number of different criteria.
INTRON noted two specific outcomes:
- Bedding Material – plastics require more bedding and therefore more earth material has to be removed during excavation.
- Manufacture – Concrete production processes are more energy efficient with lower carbon emissions.
Other studies exist within Europe to support the findings of INTRON. More details on these studies can be sought by contacting FP McCann or the CPSA direct.
Details of the INTRON study including the 13 different environmental impact categories considered are all detailed within the sustainability section of the CPSA’s website. The CPSA also produce a brochure downloadable from their website entitled: Concrete Drainage and Sewerage Products your Sustainable Option. This brochure lists the sustainable advantages of concrete products. Links to the CPSA website and relevant sections are given below.
CPSA Website
INTRON Study detailed within CPSA website