Presentation by David Manley of Forterra at Circular Economy Thinking in Construction seminar, London 20 January 2017. More information: http://www.greenconstructionboard.org/index.php/2012-09-05-09-17-39/item/2372-circular-economy-thinking-cethinking-challenges-and-opportunities-for-the-construction-sector

1. David Manley
Forterra
Building Products
Ltd

2. Forterra
Forterra, is a leading supplier of building products to the UK's construction sector, with 17
manufacturing facilities across the country and employing approximately 1,600 people.
With its head office in Northampton, Forterra makes a diverse range of concrete and clay
building products with instantly recognisable brands, including London, Thermalite, Red
Bank, Jetfloor and Formpave.
These products form an essential part of the built environment from housing
developments through to major infrastructure projects helping to drive the country's
growing economy.

3. 3 R’s of the Circular Economy
esource
e-use
ecycle

4. Resource
Brick, Precast Concrete and concrete sectors have worked
together to develop Resource Efficiency Action Plans with
common themes and goals
• Project Initiated Autumn 2012
Developed under the leadership of the CPA
Funded by WRAP
• Action Plans Launched October 2013
• Focus to date on manufacturing efficiency

5. Re Use
Short Life
Re Use of materials at the end of the building life
should be a key consideration in the design of the
building and in the selection of the materials
used.
Long Life
When a building is intended to have a long
service life we should factor in future uses for
example office to apartment conversions
Different focus/ characteristics depending on whether it is a “short or long life” building

6. UK Housing - Reuse
Average Turnover Rate - Yrs
10 years in the 80’S
Age of Housing Stock

7. Recycle
1. Carbon Footprint – Transporting materials
back to factories generally results in a higher
footprint than virgin materials
2. Contamination – Ensuring that there is no
cross contamination from other waste
streams
3. Legislation – Waste Permits etc are required
in most cases
4. Low Value
5. Time Constraints
The barriers to getting materials back into our chain of utility

8. Challenges - Not as Easy as White Goods

9. Challenges – The Product
OR

10. Challenges - Re-Use
Our products are designed
to give a long service life
and be durable – making it
difficult to take them apart