Masonry Magazine November 2011 Page. 29
Waste Generation
(million tonnes)
20
2006
2000
2008
2009
2010
That said, the reduction of waste and landfilling is virtuous, too. It is a trade off that receives careful consideration at Oldcastle and CRH.
In 2010, 21 million tons of recycled material were used to manufacture their products. This was a steady increase, year after year. Also, 75 percent of waste generated at the plants was recycled, much of it internally. The company strives to reduce overall waste and has been incredibly successful.
Often, across all industries, a key waste item is overlooked: water. Water has an extremely high carbon footprint, due to sewage treatment, refining, packaging and shipping. It also is a precious natural resource that is dwindling in supply. Ware uses both "sustainability" and "director" when lecturing about water.
"It absolutely pains me to see a running faucet," she says. "I'd rather hear nails on a chalkboard." She constantly reminds her colleagues to be responsible. "It is as simple as maximizing mixing plant clean out water, and turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth."
Oldcastle gets two birds with one stone as it recycles 65 percent of used water back into the company system. The company also has implemented rainwater collection.
Ware conducts a green product demonstration.
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READER SERVICE #138
November 2011
MASONRY 27