SuDS designs are a required on all sites which are to be developed. The concept behind the design of SuDS systems is to reduce surface water flooding, improve water quality and enhance the amenity and biodiversity value of the development.This is achieved by mimicking natural drainage regimes which exist in the environment and can also lead to the development of a range of ecological environments which can improve and enhance biodiversity whilst providing an opportunity to design a landscaping feature on the site.
Vehicle emissions in the UK contribute 26% of the greenhouse gases emitted. With a push to reducing pollution emissions from traditional vehicles, electric cars are becoming increasingly popular. And this popularity is only set to rise considerably in the coming decades. Designs of new sites should take this shift in market demand and look to include infrastructure such as fast charging points to accommodate the changing demand and making their site accessible.
The installation of below ground drainage systems such as storm crates, chambers and pipes currently involves the use of virgin plastic. However, new innovative products are constantly coming to the market which use recycled materials without impact on the performance of the materials. The use of recycled plastics reduces the demand of the production of new plastic, whilst ensuring old plastic can be recycled and repurposed.
Construction of a building which is as efficient as possible, for example: triple-glazed windows, LED lighting and A-Rated Appliances. It is also possible to heat a crematorium building using the excess heat from a cremator, along with other buildings, for example: greenhouses.
Modern electric cremators have been designed to reduce the environmental impact of cremation on the environment and provide a green alternative to traditional, old fashioned gas cremators. Electric cremators produce significantly less air pollution, and if coupled with renewable energy resources provide a CO2 neutral cremation. Heat exchangers installed on the machines can also provide a sustainable heating system for buildings, further reducing the carbon impact of the development by removing the need for traditional heating systems.
Combined with the Electric Cremators and Electric Vehicle Charging Point infrastructure, the provision of electric hearses provides a fully sustainable and environmentally friendly service. If clean renewable energy is generated onsite, through solar panels or wind turbines, then the green credentials can be enhanced further.
PlasticRoads have been growing in popularity in recent years, with many Local Authorities adopting the system on their framework agreements. The design replaces a significant proportion of the bitumen (a derivative from crude oil) in tarmac with pellets made from recycled plastics. The final product has even proven to be more durable and flexible than traditional bitumen bound roads.Incorporating plastic roads into developments helps to cut down carbon emissions, fossil fuel usage and reduces the volume of waste plastic in the environment. One tonne of plastic road contains the equivalent of 80,000 plastic bottles.
Increase pollution absorption and biodiversity through native and wildlife attracting planting.
Concrete is a wondrous construction material that is used all around us in ways that we don’t even envisage. However, the environmental impact of cement in traditional concrete is significant, as it is the world’s third highest source of manmade CO2.New modern materials such as Cemfree concrete significantly reduces the embodied CO2 compared to a conventional mix by 88%. By utilising innovative new products, the carbon footprint associated with traditional concrete can be significantly reduced.
