The construction industry is grappling with the reality that the built environment generates nearly 40% of our energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions[1], and as a result, contractors are paying closer attention than ever before to the products and suppliers they’re working with for their projects.

 

At Marshalls, we’re aware of the regulatory obligations and client pressures you face to prove you’re taking proactive steps to minimise carbon emissions and as one of your key suppliers, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to do so.

 

Here are four ways we’re taking action to give you the reassurance that when you work with us, you’re working with a likeminded business focused on carbon reduction.

 

1. Robust and transparent carbon commitments

 

Earlier this year, we announced that our near and long-term carbon reduction pathways and ultimate target to be net-zero by 2050,  have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

 

Our near-term targets are to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.5% by 2030 and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 37.5% by 2033. Our long-term net-zero targets, to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by at least 90% by 2040 and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by at least 90% by 2050, have also been validated.

 

The SBTi is a global, collaborative initiative aiming to boost innovation and drive sustainable growth by setting ambitious, science-based emissions reduction targets. It is seen as the gold standard when it comes to setting carbon net-zero targets, and it was important for us to achieve this recognition with an organisation of such calibre because it’s a clear demonstration of our absolute commitment to become a more sustainable business, which is something that is a key priority to us at Marshalls.

 

There is also an expectation that we will continue to lead from the front by the country’s leading contractors; we know you want to see us demonstrating how our activities, processes, systems and supply chain will achieve net-zero. And since sharing the news about validation, we’ve had several major contractors reach out to us and ask about the process. They know they need to do it too and that navigating such a robust and rigorous process can be challenging.

 

Now we’ve gained first-hand experience with the SBTi, we’re happy to share our experiences and learnings. So, if you find yourself in that position, we’re here to support you.

 

2. Developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

 

We’ve seen a surge in demand for carbon information and data from customers who want a deeper understanding of what our product environmental performance is and what we’re actively doing to improve this over time.

 

With this in mind, we’re constantly updating and expanding our collection of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), to improve our transparency, accountability, and specification support around the products we supply. The development and availability of our EPDs, which include independently verified data to support accreditations such as BREEAM, means we can help you make more considered choices, using robust, transparent data, so you can collate the necessary evidence needed for accreditations.

 

As an example, one EPD is for our concrete-facing bricks. The previously published concrete-facing brick EPD only covered cradle-to-gate analysis, but the new version includes cradle-to-grave analysis, which assesses the full product lifecycle and incorporates all UK sites where the product is manufactured. This shows a staggering 49% carbon saving per tonne over the brick’s lifetime, when you choose concrete facing bricks over clay facing bricks.

 

We’ll continue developing EPDs across our entire product range, so that we can help you to demonstrate your ongoing sustainability requirements.

 

3.  Product innovations

 

We’re committed to product innovation and particularly products that achieve significant carbon savings, which then supports you to meet the environmental requirements in your projects, too.

 

For example, earlier this year we launched Modal X®, a lower-cost, lower-carbon alternative to granite paving that also boasts high durability and design flexibility. It was the first new product range to be produced at our innovative dual block plant in St Ives, Cambridge, which is powered in part by solar energy. Plus, it uses a new state-of-the-art curing system which reduces carbon impact and speeds up drying times.

 

We also announced we’ve improved the sustainability credentials of our concrete pipe range by removing the steel reinforcement from our 750mm diameter concrete pipes. This will achieve a carbon saving of 6.1% compared to the product’s predecessor. By removing the steel reinforcement from this product, we will save over 25,000kg of CO2 per tonne, per year, but even more importantly, we can pass the associated carbon savings of the product on to you whenever you use them in your projects.

 

When it comes to our British-made product ranges, we’re actively reducing the amount of cement in some of our concrete products, using recycled materials and trialling different mixes to lower carbon footprints. For example, Tri-blend is a highly optimised concrete mix which enables significant levels of cement substitutes to be used in our concrete block products without impacting aesthetics or performance. It’s allowed us to increase our cement replacement levels by around 60%, resulting in sizeable reductions in our product carbon footprint.

 

We also use Carbon Cure Technologies at our Grove site to lock waste carbon into our concrete facing brick ranges. We’ve many more products in the pipeline which are being designed with the specific aim of bringing down carbon usage – so watch this space.

 

4. British-made products combined with a circularity strategy

 

Resource conservation and circularity are a key focus for us. We currently divert 99% of our waste from landfill and have a target to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030. Some of the ways we’re doing this are by reusing 100% of the wet clay used in our clay production processes, and recycling our concrete production waste across all our relevant sites. In addition, 100% of our concrete products are recyclable at the end of their life.

 

We promote pallet recovery, and to help make it easier and cheaper for our customers, Marshalls has a deal in place with Scott Pallets Recovery Service to ensure that any reusable Marshalls and Marley pallets in that are still in good condition can be collected from existing customers free of charge, repaired and returned for reuse.

 

Our initiative to reduce plastic packaging is another key part of our strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. For example, since 2015, we’ve decreased the thickness of our plastic stretch and shrink packaging by 30% without compromising safety, strength, or product integrity. We’ve reduced the amount of plastic packaging used for our domestic concrete block products by 32%, by 60% for most of our commercial concrete block products, and by 20% for our kerbs and edgings. Additionally, the plastic packaging we use now contains at least 30% recycled content. We’re continually exploring new ways to eliminate non-essential plastic while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality, and are determined to make ongoing advancements in this area.

 

Finally, based on tonnage, over 96% of our products are British-made. By manufacturing most of our products in sites across Britain, we’re keeping fuel emissions to a minimum whilst being able to deliver to customers more quickly. Plus, across our UK sites, 74% of our electricity comes from renewable sources, and we have solar arrays in place at all three of our manufacturing sites and five sites in total.

 

We’re ambitious with our carbon reduction strategy, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s a commitment we make to you, our customers. For example, before a product is even on the ground, our Design and Engineering Team offer a free service to ensure that you not only get the right low carbon product but also the right amount of product to do the job, minimising the chance of waste materials. That’s just one of the ways we work in partnership with contractors to ensure we’re working towards the same objectives and travelling on the same journey together.

 

To find out more about how we can support your sustainability journey with our products and services here.