Title: Implementing environmental improvements in a manufacturing context: a structured approach for the precast concrete industry

Authors: Hafiz Elhag, Jacqueline Glass, Alistair G.F. Gibb, Martin Clarke, Clive Budge, Geoffrey K. Bailey

Addresses: British Precast Concrete Federation (BPCF), 60 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FB, UK. ' Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK. ' British Precast Concrete Federation (BPCF), 60 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FB, UK. ' 6 Northgate, Lincoln, LN2 1QS, UK. ' Tarmac Topfloor Limited, Weston Underwood, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 4PH, UK

Abstract: In common with other industries, most of the measures and solutions employed by companies in the £2 billion UK precast concrete manufacturing sector are linked to profitability. The concept of sustainability adds new dimensions as social progress and environmental protection become end goals in themselves, rather than objectives to achieve economic growth. This paper explores the nature of the precast industry and discusses opportunities and challenges relating to environmental improvement. A holistic view of the manufacture and procurement of precast concrete products is used to offer environmental improvement criteria an enhanced status in relation to the profitability imperative.

Keywords: precast concrete; sustainable development; business drivers; cement content; energy consumption; waste generation; sustainability; environmental improvement; concrete manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2008.017508

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.8 No.4, pp.369 - 384

Published online: 13 Mar 2008 *

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