The firms have built a demonstration wall using eco-friendly alternatives to prove that by working together, the carbon-heavy industry can do something constructive to help the environment.
The demonstration wall showcases some of the latest developments in environmentally-conscious building; from cement-free mortar and battery operated plant, to recyclable mortar boards and progressive building practices.
Even the location has green credentials; the demonstration wall is on the site of Willmott Dixon’s new Spelthorne Leisure Centre project, one of the most advanced, energy-efficient Passivhaus leisure centres in the world.
Alistair Donaghey, Regional Head of SHE from Willmott Dixon said: “The biggest issue for the construction industry is that it’s a high impact sector, so small changes do make a material difference…everyone has to play their part to give us a chance of having a planet that’s worthy of handing down to the next generation.”
The aim of the demonstration wall is to prove to other building professionals that eco-friendly alternatives are not just great in theory, but in practice too.
Keir Dixon of FACE Brickwork said:“I knew there would be a lot of influential visitors to Spelthorne Leisure Centre as it’s such a ground-breaking project. If they could see the demonstration wall and what’s possible, it might inspire other construction teams to start making change happen. We’ve already had positive comments from experienced construction professionals that didn’t know some of these green-alternatives even existed.”
Tony Higson of Graysons, the leading consumables supplier who have produced the first 100% recyclable mortar board, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting this meaningful project. Offering eco-friendly construction methods does not mean compromising on quality, that’s a really important message for us.”
Katie Wills; Major Accounts Manager of Cemfree, manufacturer of cement free alternative binder said: “When Keir Dixon of FACE Brickwork contacted us about the demo wall, we thought this was a great idea in demonstrating true collaboration with likeminded innovative companies.
“The wall not only show cases our Cemfree Masonry Mortar but also Breedon Balance Cemfree Dense Blocks; ‘cement-free concrete dense block using Cemfree binder as the cement replacement’. We can’t wait to be involved in a live project with everyone very soon.”