The Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste in Construction
A recent article published in the Builders Merchant News revealed some shocking statistics of plastic waste in construction.
The growing pressure on the construction sector to meet development targets appears to have resulted in some negative practices. Although the UK construction industry is committed to achieving net zero by 2050, this article highlights that excessive waste is being generated during the construction process.
Whilst creating energy-efficient buildings with improved heat output and conserving energy are commendable goals, it is essential that this progress does not come at the cost of sustainability during the construction process itself. The UK’s construction sector continues to expand, however, the rate at which it generates plastic waste is outpacing this growth. According to the article, “The rate of plastic waste from the UK’s construction industry has increased 15 times faster than that of other European countries since the turn of the century.”
The construction and built environment sector are a major source of carbon emissions, contributing to around 40% of the UK’s total output. According to the UK Green Building Council, up to 95% of emissions from the built environment over the next three decades could come from existing structures. Consequently, a significant portion of the industry’s decarbonisation efforts will be directed toward retrofitting existing buildings.
Midland Lead calls for construction companies in the UK to assess the products they use and review their sustainable qualities. The use of lead rather than lead alternatives can have a significant impact on reducing waste, as lead is 100% recyclable and has a minimal negative impact on the environment.
Why lead is better than lead alternatives
Lead has been the material of choice in construction for centuries, praised for its malleability, longevity and recyclability. However, lead-free alternatives, made from materials such as modified polyethylene compound and butyl rubber, are widely used and not recycled as much as lead sheet. More than 95% of scrap lead sheet is collected and recycled in the UK, whilst many non-lead alternatives have a recovery rate of less than 10%.
Midland Lead, honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development 2024, are advocates of sustainable practices within construction and are committed to promoting the beneficial qualities of lead. They strongly believe that the industry needs to refocus on recycling and that there should be a transparent awareness of the products they are using. Specifically, within the roofing sector, it is important to recognise that lead alternatives contain plastic and as a result, are not sustainable and contributes to the concerning amount of non-recyclable waste that is being produced.
Despite being a traditional roofing material, many don’t realise that lead is in fact incredibly green. When comparing lead and lead-free alternatives’ eco-friendliness, there’s no question that lead takes a prime position. Typically, lead-free roof flashing has a 30-year lifespan and 10-25 year guarantee, while lead lasts over 100 years and has a guaranteed lifespan of at 50-60 years.
Sales and Marketing Manager, Kyle Hazeldine, who regularly champions lead’s eco-qualities said; “Sustainability is embedded through every part of our business, from reducing waste disposal and only using 100% recycled lead, through to energy efficiency, packaging and logistics. We are also the only independent manufacturer offering BBA-certified machine cast lead sheet with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Unlike plastic alternatives, lead is sustainable, and we constantly monitor fabrication processes at our specialist facilities in Derbyshire, now and into the future.”
Lead forms an important part of the circular economy and is the most sustainable product that can be used in construction producing zero waste. The manufacturing process of recycled lead manufacturing uses just 35% to 40% of the energy required to provide original lead from ore. Unlike many other materials, lead can be re-melted and recycled forever with no loss of quality.
Over the years the lead sheet industry has carried out numerous campaigns to highlight the material’s many benefits including its sustainability, weatherproofing capabilities, aesthetic appeal, and versatility.
Lead facts:
- Lead is the most recycled common metal in the world
- Lead has higher recycling rates than paper or glass
- Lead can be recycled indefinitely without any reduction in quality
- Lead sheet is one of the most durable roofing products available lasting 100 years or more
- Properly installed and handled, lead sheet poses no risk to the environment or people.
- Lead sheet outperforms all alternative man-made materials in its field.
- More than 95% of lead used in the manufacture of lead sheet comes from recycling.
- The relatively low melting point of lead, 327°C, means the recycling process has a minimal environmental impact.
- Lead sheet affords attractive, permanent protection against the weather.
- The proven life of lead sheet is hundreds of years.
Lead stands out as an unparalleled material in the construction sector, particularly when considering long-term performance and sustainability. While the construction industry may not be fully focused on recycling, lead sets a powerful example of how material can be environmentally responsible. With its environmental impact during the recycling process and its ability to offer lasting protection, lead is an essential component of sustainable building practices.
