Sustainability

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.

Ketley Bricks manufactured over 100 years ago are still in use today.  This surely demonstrates their sustainability.   The most relevant measure of sustainability is the embodied energy in their production divided by their useful life. 

At Ketley Brick and at our sister company Dreadnought Tiles we are continually investing to make the use 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 stains or pigments are used on Ketley Bricks
• We are continually investing in more fuel efficient production.  It is imperative in this climate of high energy costs.

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 and paving installations with Ketley Bricks and Pavers have proved themselves to be sustainable because:

• They are extremely durable. Their longevity is an advantage since the appearance is enhanced with age.
• The traditional colours and patterns of Ketley Bricks, make them particularly suitable for renovation and conservation
• Established standards, technical specifications and characteristics ensure its reliability in service
• There is little or no in service maintenance on completed brick and paver projects.

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.  Ketley Bricks and Pavers make a significant contribution because:

• Their  texture and colour harmonise with our natural surroundings, making them 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 Ketley Brick.

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