Product category:
Roofing
News Release from: Marley Eternit | Subject: Use of natural slate
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 February 2008
Marley Eternit challenges the use of
natural slate
Leading roofing manufacturer Marley Eternit has stopped using natural slate in a bid to remove all non-sustainable products from its range.
Marley Eternit made the decision to remove natural slate from its range some time ago to ensure all of its roofing materials have the highest possible industry-standard grades for environmental impact - its fibre cement and concrete slates have 'A' ratings in the BRE's 'Green Guide to Specification' Marley Eternit was the first company to work alongside the BRE to get its roofing products independently assessed for their environmental performance
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 22 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Using natural slate draws on irreplaceable natural resources and is a far from economic approach as only five per cent of all mined natural slate is usable while the rest goes to waste.
Norman Richards, head of environment, at Marley Eternit, said increased corporate social responsibility was essential as industry, particularly the manufacturing sector, was being held increasingly accountable for its impact on the environment.
"Natural slates are still popular because of the high demand for a natural look so we are making sure all our fibre cement alternatives have an exceptional kerb appeal and bear a strong resemblance to natural slates.
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"However, we have to monitor the market constantly to determine ways in which the industry can change for the better.
The extent to which new building legislation is being dictated by the environment is such that unsustainable products are simply no longer a viable option.
The Government's Code for Sustainable Homes is also creating a much higher demand among consumers for sustainable products such as fibre cement slates.
"There are a number of other factors that also prohibit the use of natural slate, including the higher cost, the variable quality of imported slate, the skills shortage which has left the industry lacking the knowledge needed to fit natural slate and of course the environmental impact.
"Fibre cement and concrete alternatives to slate get round all of these issues: The quality is far more consistent, the cost is lower, they are easier to fit and come from sustainable resources, including vast quantities of recycled aggregate".
Fibre cement slates offered a sustainable, economic and durable option at Riverpoint, a new student accommodation block in Nottingham where Marley Eternit's Thrutone Blue/Black Fibre Cement slates were specified for the 4,500 square metre roof.
Thrutone is part of Marley Eternit's large range of fibre cement slates which have the authentic handmade appearance of natural slate.
However being far easier, and therefore quicker to lay, they are fast becoming the natural choice for specifiers and roofing contractors when it comes to saving time and the environment. Request a free brochure from Marley Eternit ...
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