Target Net Zero
At Metal Technology, we recognize the urgency of addressing climate change. Our commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions is at the forefront of our sustainability goals. We are actively implementing strategies to reduce our carbon footprint across our entire value chain, from supply to production, through to distribution.
Business In The Community (NI) Climate Action Pledge
We are committed to reducing our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, as well as measuring and reducing our scope 3 GHG emissions and reporting company-wide GHG emissions on an annual basis. We look forward to working in collaboration with other NI businesses to address the critical issue of climate change.
Metal Technology’s Managing director Calvin Wilson commented :
“We have, for many years, had a strong focus on reducing our carbon footprint, and initially introduced solar panels to reduce our energy consumption in 2014. This has now gathered pace and this year we will introduce an additional 100kW system, which will have the added benefit of battery storage for electricity we are producing but not consuming, with a programme to enhance this further in 2024.
This is in line with our environmental strategy, with all company vehicles ordered from 2022 being fully electric or Hybrid. We have also recently taken delivery of a further 3 electric forklifts which now means our entire fleet of 8 trucks are also fully electric. We have renewed our electricity contract which is from a green energy source, further demonstrating our long-term commitment. All electric lighting within our offices and warehouse facilities have been changed or upgraded to LED. Packaging is also being minimised and sourced from recycled materials.
The introduction of our new Passive House range of windows, doors and curtain walling is testament not just of our processing commitments but also to the built environment. We are excited to be part of the BITC community with so many like-minded companies and are confident in achieving our goals well in advance of our target date. So, let’s collaborate on climate change – it’s our future.”
Low Carbon Aluminium
Our dedication to sustainability extends to our product offerings, with a focus on Low Carbon Aluminium. We leverage advanced technologies and processes to minimize the environmental impact of our aluminium production. Our low-carbon approach ensures that our materials meet the highest industry standards while significantly reducing the carbon intensity associated with their manufacture.
Metal Technology have taken a corporate decision to only procure and supply aluminium profiles that have been manufactured from a low carbon aluminium billet with a maximum carbon footprint of 4.0kgCO2/kg aluminium. The current Global average is 16.7kgCO2/kg aluminium, with a European average of 6.7kgCO2/kg aluminium.
For ultra-low carbon projects we have billets available, offering kgCO2/kg aluminium of 3.0 and 2.3, currently the lowest available in the market.
Please speak to your regional Architectural Advisor for more information on a project specific basis.
Aluminium
The intrinsic qualities of aluminium, its infinite recyclability, strength and lightness, durability and low maintenance qualities mean it is one of the most sustainable building materials that can be used.
Aluminium is the earth’s third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon (ahead of iron).
Aluminium does not emit dust, vapour or particles and is not toxic to touch.
Given its durability and resistance due to applied surface treatments such as anodising or powder coating, aluminium structures need only regular cleaning with neutral detergents followed by rinsing with water.
Aluminium is non-flammable and, when it reaches its melting point in the event of a fire (about 650°C), it gives off no flammable gases or vapours.
Life cycles
Recycling is a valuable asset in the battle against the greenhouse effect. The global aluminium industry has made great strides during the last century to reduce its environmental impact at all stages of the supply chain. Aluminium extraction and refining companies have reduced their energy requirements by almost 70% since 1900.
Aluminium extraction has seen the growing use of hydro-electric energy coupled with a vast increase in aluminium that is recycled. At present more than a third of global aluminium production is from recycled metal, a figure that is growing. Recycled aluminium takes just 5% of the energy needed to produce primary metal with a consequent reduction of 95% in the greenhouse gases produced.
The recycling process is economically attractive and viable. Recycled aluminium meets almost 40% of the demand for the metal in Europe. Between 80%-100% of the material used to produce Metal Technology extrusions is recycled.
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable with no loss of its properties.
The aluminium cycle is a closed life cycle
The Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands has investigated the collection rate of aluminium in buildings. Demolition case studies in six different European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) were carried out and the data collected shows that collection rates are over 95%.
Recycling aluminium windows
As the loss of metal in the remelting process is such a small percentage, and the remelted material keeps the same quality, this allows the same metal to be used in the same product over and over again. (i.e. almost absolute recycling.)
The purpose of recycling is to produce new high quality material from waste and used products in an economical and environmentally friendly manner.
There are generally two kinds of raw material for recycling, process scrap and waste from the aluminium industry.
The process scrap is easy to identify and it has a well known composition, while on the other hand aluminium from used products is much more complex. However, both types of scrap can be processed and recycled to a high standard.
Finishes to the aluminium are simply burned away in the melting process and any noxious gas emissions are collected in efficient fume capture equipment. This gas is burned off providing heat to the furnaces. Non-metallic components end up in the salt slag, and an inert substance skimmed from the molten aluminium is used in the cement industry. Thermal breaks or resin are either mechanically separated or simply burned away in the process. Where aluminium is combined with other metals such as stainless steel screws and fixing lugs, this aluminium is fed into a special furnace that separates the iron thermally (i.e. iron and steel melt at a higher temperature than aluminium and are also heavier. As a result they fall to the base of the furnace, thus ensuring 100% aluminium can be accessed.)
Gasketry must be manually removed from the window as part of the deglazing process. Material is then sent to a rubber recycling plant where it can be re-smelted or ground into granules.
In many of these cases, the stainless steel has suffered little degradation and still contains a high value of the initial alloying elements such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum. This makes it a valuable source of those constituents to the stainless steel producer and a high proportion of material going into the melting furnace is usually recycled.
Metal Technology Aluminium products are 100% recyclable. It is Metal Technology’s aim to continue to develop its recycling theme within the building industry in order to realise its environmental plan for the future.
Environmental Product Declarations
An EPD is a document that is used to demonstrate the environmental impacts of a product and is used to provide data for evaluating green buildings, allowing architects and designers the ability to assess products prior to the inclusion within the building fabric.
Metal Technology has undertaken a third-party accredited Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its manufacturing facility, and associated supply chain for its core façade systems – Windows, Doors, and Curtain Walling.
The EPD documents can be downloaded via the below thumbnails and the LCA document is available on request from technicalenquiries@metaltechnology.com.
Documents
Product Downloads
Corporate and Social Responsiblity Policy
- Commitment
- Purpose and Aims
- Standards of Business Conduct
- Corporate Governance
- Human Rights
- Impact on Society
- Enviromental Impacts
- Ethics and Ethical Trading
- Vendors (Supplies)
BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Solar panel generation
- Waste (KG/Tonne Sold)
- Water
- Transport
- Employment and Skills
- Local Communities
With the Government’s increasing focus on sustainable development, many construction companies are recognising the need to prove that their buildings are built with sustainability in mind.
Metal Technology are fully certified to BES 6001. This is not only as part of our commitment to support our supply chain partners but we also recognise the importance of our Purchasing decisions and the impact they may have on our environment and society.
BES6001 also complements our environmental management system ISO 14001 that we implement to enhance our environmental performance. We work to operate our business in compliance with all Environmental Regulations, Legislation and initiatives relating to the building industry and the wider Environment.
Metal Technology is committed to furthering the understanding of sustainable principles and specifically responsible sourcing. The following information helps demonstrate this commitment.
We are commited to:
- Continuous improvement in our Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy;
- Encouraging our business partners to strive for matching performance;
- Acting in a socially responsible way;
- Continually improving our performance and complying with all relevant legislation, regulations and industry codes of practice;
- Encouraging our staff to be mindful of the effect of their actions on any natural resource.
The purpose of the policy is to make clear to all stakeholders what we mean by CSR and how we propose to work towards achieving it. This policy governs our approach to all our activities.
In implementing this policy we aim to:
- Be responsible;
- Be an exemplar of good practice.
We recognise that good CSR embraces all aspects of sustainable development and the way we affect people through our business operations;
We shall operate in a way that safeguards against unfair business practices, including anti-bribery and corruption;
We believe that a responsible approach to developing relationships between companies and the communities they serve, global or local, is a vital part of delivering business success;
When carrying out our business, in consultation with our customers, we will determine the environmental, social and economic issues;
We will ensure the effective implementation of the policies set out within our company handbook and continually review our business practices to encourage engagement with and development of the regional supply chain
We will carry out annual training reviews and provide training programmes for all employees to ensure that the company has adequate skills, knowledge, and attitudes to meet our customers’ requirements;
We will operate in accordance with our health and safety policy, and ensure this is followed at all times by employees, contractors, and other stakeholders or visitors.
We will share and declare information on personal and corporate conflicts of interest and seek guidance from higher authority before acting;
We are committed to ensuring that our business is conducted in all respects according to rigorous ethical, professional and legal standards;
All groups and individuals with whom we have a business relationship will be treated in a fair, open and respectful manner;
Competition will be reasonable and based upon the quality, value and integrity of the products and services being supplied;
Feedback on performance will be actively sought, and we will continually review all activities to ensure best practice is observed at all times;
We will allow our customers and vendors to give feedback on our performance and ensure that all customer comments are analysed, responded to, and where appropriate, acted upon in a transparent manner.
We aim to support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights;
Vendors are actively encouraged to observe international human rights norms within their work.
We will take steps to understand our impact on the local and wider community and how we can most effectively support the needs of them and implement initiatives accordingly;
We understand that we have a range of internal and external stakeholders who are affected by our operations and activities and we will consult with them as appropriate on company and supply chain issues;
We will continually develop our products to contribute to a sustainable built environment.
We will seek to continually improve our energy efficiency, minimise emissions of greenhouse gases to reduce our impacts on climate change and invest in clean, energy efficient technologies;
We are committed to recycling all our scrap aluminium and maximising our use of recycled material in our products;
We will use our environmental management system to manage all our environmental impacts accordingly and seek to act as responsible stewards of our site by preventing pollution;
We understand that water is a finite resource and we have a role to play with regard to minimising demand on potable water supplies;
We will strive to minimise all waste by adopting the waste hierarchy and managing and treating all waste streams in line with our waste management procedures;
We will encourage the use of backloading where possible and monitor the performance of our third-party transport hauliers and our own fleet of vehicles to ensure we are using appropriate mitigation strategies to minimise the adverse environmental and social effects of transport.
We will ensure clear visibility and traceability through our supply chains, so we know where all our products are made;
We will maintain a proactive dialogue with our supply chain to ensure that vendors uphold the workplace standards and behaviours consistent with the our requirements.
Vendors will be worked with to help us achieve our policy aspirations in the delivery of our products and services;
We shall encourage vendors to adopt responsible business policies and practices for mutual benefit;
Vendors are regarded as partners and we will work with them to help us achieve our policy aspirations in the delivery of our products and services;
We are committed to ensuring that the welfare of workers and labour conditions within our supply chain meet or exceed recognised standards;
Where necessary, we will exert procurement pressure to ensure that all of our vendors behave in a socially responsible way. This includes environmentally-friendly products and making sure that workers are treated properly;
We will continue to work with vendors to:
Promote more environmentally friendly products and promote these to our customers;
Reduce the amount of packaging and transit where possible;
Implement schemes to take-back, recover, re-use and recycle products at the end of their use/life.
Greenhouse gas emissions
In 2016 we started measuring and monitoring the greenhouse gas emissions that occur because of our activities. We will continue to do this going forward to drive performance improvements and reduce our emissions per tonne of product we sell.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Direct Emissions | 93.6 | 90.3 | 87.3 | 84.9 | 66.3 | 81.8 | 68.9 |
| Indirect Emissions | 30.1 | 26.5 | 25.8 | 25.5 | 23.7 | 21.6 | 22.8 |
| Total Emissions | 123.7 | 116.8 | 113.1 | 110.4 | 90.0 | 103.4 | 91.7 |
Solar panel generation
Solar panels installed on our warehouses mean greenhouse gas indirect emissions have been reduced as follows:
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Generation (kwh) | 55592 | 54364 | 59136 | 55186 | 57804 | 57870 | 57409 |
| Indirect Emissions reduced by (tonne) | 23 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Total waste generated | 13.67 | 13.01 | 11.8 | 12.95 | 12.53 | 11.93 | 11.99 | 11.89 | 11.03 | 11.89 | 11.65 |
| Waste to landfill | 3.15 | 2.99 | 3.14 | 3.85 | 3.05 | 1.66 | 1.74 | 1.73 | 1.63 | 1.62 | 1.51 |
| Waste recycled | 10.52 | 10.02 | 8.66 | 9.1 | 9.48 | 10.27 | 10.25 | 10.16 | 9.40 | 10.27 | 10.14 |
We record the amount of waste we generate year-on-year. Due to the nature of our products, we recycle the majority of our waste and send only a small proportion to landfill. We are continuously driving ourselves to be more efficient with resources and reduce the amount of waste we are sending to landfill.
We strive to reduce the amount of waste we generate from our activities. Following an internal benchmarking exercise, we decided to benchmark ourselves against our 2016 performance to drive us going forwards.
Waste Best Practice
We have a commitment to apply the waste hierarchy and maximise diversion of waste from landfill. Effective management of all waste streams will be achieved by adhering to the waste regulations. A register of licences for waste carriers is detailed in the Metal Technology environmental management system which is certified to ISO 14001:2015. Performance metrics are also set around minimising waste as far as practicable, and that waste produced is diverted from landfill. As part of its wider waste management strategy Metal Technology monitors and measures the amount of waste that it produces as an organisation in tonnes.
The amount of waste generated can then be derived in terms of kilograms of waste generated per tonne sold. At this moment in time industry benchmarking is not possible.
We have had success with staff engagement with waste reduction activities through promoting behavioural change to encourage office recycling. This also forms part of our supplier evaluation process which we use to engage with our suppliers.
Water
As a company, we use very little water in our production process, with most of our use being for domestic purposes. However, as a company we recognise water is a scarce resource and so understand the importance of conserving water. We therefore measure our water consumption to ensure we are being as efficient as we can.
Our use for 2016 was 13 m3 per employee and in 2017 11.5 m3 2018 to 10.3 m3 2019 11.7 m3, 2020 8.2 m3 and 2021 10.13 m3 and 2022 9.52 m3 .
Water Best Practice
We have a commitment to use water as efficiently as possible. Metal Technology commits to monitor and minimise water usage as far as practicable, given that all water used by Metal Technology is sourced from mains water supplies and thus no water is extracted directly from the source. Water meters are installed allowing Metal Technology to measure domestic water consumption – no water is consumed during the production process. A reduction in water use will be strived for by setting performance metrics around water use, which will monitor and measure domestic water use in litres. The litres of water used per employee can then be derived. Objectives and targets are focused upon minimising use and staff are educated in the efficient use of water in the workplace.
Transport
1. We deliver our products both within Northern Ireland and to the UK mainland. We therefore understand that emissions from transport of our product to our customers have potential to cause significant environmental harm. For deliveries within Northern Ireland, we use our own fleet of vehicles, and we use our ISO 14001 certified environmental management system to identify environmental impacts from our fleet. For our deliveries to the UK mainland, we use several third-party hauliers, who we survey to establish how they identify and manage their environmental impacts. We will strive to work with our hauliers to help them meet our environmental ethos and comply with our CSR policy.
2. Through our environmental management system, we have identified our impacts on the environment from transport as emissions of CO2, CO, NOx, particulate matter and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
3. To mitigate against our significant environmental impacts, we ensure all our drivers and the drivers of our third-party hauliers are CPC trained in fuel efficient driving techniques. We have upgraded our fleet to lorries with Euro VI emissions class engines to reduce our impact on the environment from vehicular emissions. In addition to this, we also plan routes to ensure deliveries in the same locality can be grouped on the same lorry and we use full loads where possible to minimise our emissions per tonne of product transported. Our hauliers have also been surveyed to understand what actions they take to minimise their environmental impacts, with planning of routes, monitoring of fuel efficiency, and use of Euro VI emissions standards vehicles all tactics employed by our hauliers.
Employment and skills
We recognise the importance of having a skilled workforce to deliver our products. We therefore invest in providing our employees with learning and development opportunities to help them in carrying out their day to day role.
In 2016 we provided a total 524 hours’ worth of training increasing to 536 in 2017, 654 in 2018, 724 in 2019, 741 in 2020, 658 in 2021 and 686 in 2022.
Local Communities
As a responsible organisation, we recognise the importance of giving back to the local community in which we operate as and when we can. We therefore make a number of cash donations throughout the year to a number of good causes.
In 2016, we donated a total of £45,885 to local community and other charitable good causes. In 2017 this figure increased to £61,118 and again in 2018 to £75,061. In 2019 we donated £58,744, 2020 £42,552, 2021 £40,247 and 2022 £56,050.
We also recognise the importance of being a good neighbour and therefore take any community complaints that we might receive very seriously.
In 2016 we received zero community complaints and it is our aim to ensure we continue to achieve zero community complaints going forward. In 2017, 2018, 2019,2020 and 2021 we did not receive any complaints.
Metal Technology is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations and products throughout their life cycle. We recognize the importance of sustainable business practices in preserving the planet for future generations. This environmental policy outlines our commitment to environmental responsibility and serves as a framework for continual improvement.
Metal Technology can in conjunction with their customer, develop a project specific Environmental Management Plan which addresses the relevant environmental issues particular to that project.
We aim to achieve this by pursuing the following principles:
1. Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations:
Metal Technology is dedicated to complying with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements applicable to our operations. We will regularly review and update our practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
2. Pollution Prevention:
We strive to prevent pollution at its source by implementing best practices in our manufacturing processes, waste management, and product design. This includes the reduction of energy consumption, the use of environmentally friendly materials, and the responsible disposal of waste.
3. Resource Efficiency:
Metal Technology is committed to the efficient use of natural resources. We will continually seek opportunities to optimize resource consumption, minimize waste, and promote recycling and reuse within our operations.
4. Energy Conservation:
We aim to reduce our energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible. This includes investing in energy-efficient technologies, optimizing production processes, and encouraging employees to contribute to energy conservation efforts.
5. Product Stewardship:
Metal Technology is committed to producing high-quality products that meet or exceed environmental standards. We will work with our suppliers and customers to promote the responsible use, recycling, and disposal of our products.
6. Environmental Education and Training:
We will provide our employees with the necessary training and resources to understand and implement environmentally responsible practices. This includes raising awareness about the environmental impact of our operations and encouraging a culture of sustainability within the organization.
7. Continuous Improvement:
Metal Technology is dedicated to the continual improvement of our environmental performance. We will set and regularly review environmental objectives and targets, taking into account technological advancements, scientific understanding, and stakeholder expectations.
8. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:
We will communicate our environmental policy, objectives, and performance openly and transparently. Metal Technology will engage with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees, and the community, to understand their concerns and expectations regarding our environmental performance.
This environmental policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the organization’s activities. Metal Technology is committed to promoting a sustainable future and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among its employees and stakeholders.
Preserving biodiversity is crucial for a sustainable future. Metal Technology recognizes the importance of biodiversity and is committed to minimizing our impact on ecosystems. Our Biodiversity Policy outlines our proactive measures to protect and enhance biodiversity in the areas where we operate. Through responsible land management and conservation practices, we aim to contribute to the health and resilience of local ecosystems.
Metal Technology is committed to conducting its business in a manner that respects and enhances biodiversity. We recognize the importance of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment, and we are dedicated to minimizing our impact on ecosystems and promoting conservation efforts. This policy outlines Metal Technology’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices.
1. Compliance with Regulations:
Metal Technology will comply with all relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations pertaining to biodiversity and environmental protection.
2. Biodiversity Impact Assessment:
Metal Technology will conduct regular biodiversity impact assessments to identify and understand the potential impacts of our operations on local ecosystems. This assessment will inform our decision-making processes and allow us to implement effective conservation measures.
3. Habitat Preservation and Restoration:
Metal Technology will strive to preserve natural habitats within and around our facilities. Where feasible, we will undertake initiatives to restore and enhance local ecosystems, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
4. Sustainable Resource Management:
Metal Technology is committed to sustainable resource management. We will minimize our use of natural resources, promote recycling and reuse practices, and seek alternative materials that have a lower impact on biodiversity.
5. Supply Chain Management:
Metal Technology will work with suppliers and contractors to ensure that they adhere to similar biodiversity and environmental principles. We will prioritize partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable practices.
6. Employee Awareness and Training:
Metal Technology will provide training to employees on the importance of biodiversity and the role they play in minimizing the company’s impact on the environment. This includes promoting responsible waste management and energy conservation practices.
7. Community Engagement:
Metal Technology will engage with local communities to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation. We will actively seek opportunities to collaborate with local organizations and participate in community initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing biodiversity.
8. Continuous Improvement:
Metal Technology is committed to regularly reviewing and improving our biodiversity practices. We will set measurable targets and objectives to monitor and enhance our performance over time.
9. Transparency and Reporting:
Metal Technology will transparently communicate our biodiversity efforts to stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community. Regular reports will be published detailing our progress and initiatives.
10. Research and Innovation:
Metal Technology will support research and innovation aimed at developing technologies and practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Metal Technology is dedicated to being a responsible corporate citizen, and through this biodiversity policy, we aim to contribute to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity for present and future generations. This policy will be communicated to all employees, and its effectiveness will be periodically reviewed and updated as needed.
Metal Technology is proud to hold industry-recognized accreditations that attest to our commitment to sustainability. These certifications validate our adherence to the highest environmental and quality standards. By choosing Metal Technology, you are partnering with a company that is not only dedicated to producing top-quality products but also committed to doing so in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
Join us on our journey toward a more sustainable future. At Metal Technology, we believe that responsible business practices can create positive change, and we are dedicated to being a catalyst for that change in the aluminium industry.
Contact us at info@metaltechnology.com to learn more about our sustainability initiatives and how we can collaborate to build a greener, more sustainable world.
CPD
Aluminium – Building A Sustainable Future
We have recently updated our CPD seminar on the sustainability of aluminium, and this is now available for access on ridbcpd.com – Metal Technology Ltd CPD materials: https://lnkd.in/eEBqGbqb
The presentation will allow architects and façade professionals to strengthen their understanding of the properties of aluminium in façades and gain an insight into the advancement of low carbon aluminium billet options that are now available.
The seminar will provide information on the following items.
❇️ The advantages of specifying aluminium facade products
❇️ Low Carbon aluminium products that are available
❇️ BREAAM and Window Energy Ratings
❇️ Thermal Performance and Passive House
❇️ The infinite ‘Cradle to Cradle’ life cycle ability of aluminium as a sustainable building material, including Closed Loop Recycling Schemes
Please contact your regional sales coordinator to book your CPD seminar or click the “Book Seminar” button on the ribacpd.com webpage.
We look forward to delivering this seminar to you soon.
