MPA Members Make Progress in Sustainability

A recent report published by the Mineral Products Association (MPA), the trade association for the UK cement, concrete, lime, mortar, silica, asphalts, aggregates and sand industries, has found that MPA members have continued to make improvements in sustainability. Despite the uncertain state of markets following the economic downturn, the sector has made progress in key areas such as biodiversity, carbon emissions, nature conservation and resource efficiency.

Some key findings of the MPA’s 3^rd Sustainable Development Report include:

• MPA members have planted a million trees over the past five years.
• Cement industry direct carbon emissions fell in 2010 but aggregates sector emissions increased.
• Recycled and Secondary materials accounted for 28% of the Great British aggregates market in 2010.
• Per capita production of aggregates in Great Britain in 2010 was 3.3 t compared with a European average of 5.3 t.
• Per capita cement consumption in Great Britain in 2010 was 158 kg compared with the European average of 404 kg.
• 9.3% of aggregates sold were moved by rail.
• The average road delivery distance for aggregates increased to 45.7 km in 2010 with average loads increasing to 22.1 t.
• The ratio of the area of aggregates sites restored to the area of land prepared for quarrying was 1:0.8
• 20 569 visitors were recorded at aggregates and cement sites in 2010.
• MPA aims to halve Lost Time Injury rates by 2014 and has the overarching objective of Zero Harm.

The Chief Executive of MPA, Nigel Jackson, stated that: “Our 3^rd Sustainable Development Report shows where we have gained considerable ground. For example, there is a growing awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to sustainability and how the use of concrete can significantly reduce the whole life energy performance of buildings through thermal mass benefits.”

Jackson also highlighted the progress the industry had made with regards to its relationship with conservation organisations and local communities following the launch of the Biodiversity Strategy in 2011.

The MPA expressed concern over the government’s decision to scrap the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) in England earlier this year. According to Jackson, the MPA “will continue to lobby for the reinstatement of the ALSF in a more focused format which can help deliver Government’s aims for localism and biodiversity. MPA also believes that genuine sustainable development demands UK industries and supply chains are both resource efficient - where our industry is best in class in Europe – and also financially sustainable.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/14122011/sustainability_improvement_from_mpa_members/