In the run-up to its conference fringe events, the Mineral Products Association discusses sustainable solutions to climate change.
Climate change means hotter summers, more extreme weather and increased risk of flooding. The buildings we live in and our infrastructure therefore need to be future proofed against the impacts of climate change. Ten per cent of UK homes are already at risk from coastal or inland flooding and this figure looks set to rise.
The mineral products industry understands the need to provide sustainable solutions to these challenges.
Flood proofing
For house construction in flood risk areas, the choice of building materials and finishes can improve flood resilience by reducing both damage and refurbishment time. For example, concrete and masonry do not absorb significant amounts of water and are therefore easier to repair after flood damage.
Flood security
As sea levels rise the need for secure coastal and river defences will increase and materials such as concrete and rock have proved their effectiveness in protecting people and property.
Improving drainage
Over two thirds of the homes affected by the 2007 summer floods were inundated by surface water runoff or over-loaded drainage systems, rather than swollen rivers. Sustainable urban drainage systems (Suds), using permeable concrete paving, store water and help to stop this overloading of drains and flooding.
Permeable asphalts allow water to percolate through the road layers into the subsoil. Modern surfacing also makes roads safer by reducing the spray from vehicle wheels.
Reducing heat
The built environment accounts for some 47 per cent of CO2 emissions with housing making up 27 per cent of the total. Houses which are energy efficient reduce carbon emissions because they do not need air conditioning during the summer and need less heating during the winter. Materials with high "thermal mass", such as concrete, are particularly effective.
Responsibly sourced
It's important that any materials used are as sustainable as possible. New standards for "responsible sourcing" allow designers and builders to check if material producers are managing sustainability in their supply chains.
Materials such as concrete, asphalt and aggregates are in the forefront of this initiative.
As the new organisation which brings together for the first time the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, lime and silica sand industries, the MPA is now best placed to work closely with others to produce answers to tomorrow's challenges today.
Labour Party conference fringe meeting
"Going down the drain – adapting to climate change"
Organisers: Mineral Products Association in partnership with SERA
Time/date: 13.00hrs, Monday 28 September 2009
Location: Kings Hotel, Brighton
Speakers:
Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Minister for flooding
Linda McAvan MEP
Alex Stephenson, director Stormwater, Hydro International
Conservative Party conference fringe meeting
"Going down the drain – adapting to climate change"
Organisers: Mineral Products Association in partnership with Tory Green Initiative
Time/date: 17.30hrs, Tuesday 6 October, 2009
Location: Midland Hotel, Manchester
Speakers:
Shadow minister – tbc
Robert Sturdy MEP
Alex Stephenson, director Stormwater, Hydro International
For more information, view the MPA's microsite.
