ACO Technologies achieve net-zero ‘Business Champion’ status
Company provides emissions roadmap for aspiring CO2nstructZero material suppliers
ACO Technologies’ achievement in reducing their carbon emissions offers a roadmap to other aspiring CO2nstructZero companies, after the business reduced its emissions by 31% in the four years from 2015 to 2019.
The reduction in carbon emissions driven to meet the Government’s target to be net zero by 2050 is one of the reasons why ACO have become one of the first CO2nstructZero ‘Business Champions’ and the first construction products manufacturer to join the initiative.
The reduction was driven by a relentless focus on small changes and successive incremental gains that together have had a significant impact on the company’s carbon emissions.
These include the development of new products, using new materials to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, operating sustainable business practices compliant with ISO 14001 and aligning with relevant UN sustainability goals.
In addition, ACO focused on commercial and manufacturing operations, specifically electricity and gas usage and recycling, as well as business car mileage and on-site plant such as forklifts.
Dr David Smoker, technical director at ACO Technologies, commented: ‘The objective of Net Zero will be achieved by a focus on every aspect of a business. This includes business vehicles, plant and equipment, employee behaviour, changing working practices, manufacturing processes and new product development. Added together these can make a major contribution to reducing carbon emissions.’
New product developments have been a particular focus, specifically the use of geometric science to reduce the use of concrete haunching which is saving 11kg of CO2 per linear metre installed of ACO MonoDrain.
ACO have also developed a new polymer concrete – Vienite – which incorporates a substantial percentage of recycled material whilst still maintaining equal performance characteristics as traditional polymer concrete.
‘The objective of Net Zero by 2050 is a goal which will determine the built environment for generations to come and shape the future of the construction industry,’ said Dr Smoker.
‘We are particularly excited that CO2nstructZero will be bringing people together to share best practice, provide support and agree collaborative action plans that will be fed back to the Government as we work towards a low carbon future.’
ACO were among the first 14 companies selected by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) as a Business Champion. The initiative enables companies to be role models in the construction industry’s change programme, demonstrating a commitment to the sector’s drive towards reducing carbon emissions in the delivery and operation of the built environment.
