Natural resources
Since we were founded in 1903, most of Tarmac's materials and products have been based on the use of mineral resources. We are committed to meeting the market demand for these essential materials in an efficient and sustainable way, responsibly managing the impacts of our operations on the environment and communities around us.
Environmental protection
Continuously working to achieve world-class performance in environmental practice by minimising our environmental impacts
Enhancing biodiversity and safeguarding heritage
Efficient use of natural resources
Optimising our use of natural resources, reducing waste, reducing water use and actively recycling
Optimising the use of recycled/secondary materials
Seeking opportunities to help customers to develop sustainable opportunities to use recycled materials
Environmental Protection
As part of our commitment to responsible production, we carefully manage environmental issues like land use, resource consumption, waste, energy consumption, emissions to air, water, land and noise, as well as site-specific issues at some operations. We assess each impact thoroughly to ensure effective management, taking account of issues such as the 106 national or international designations of conservation or heritage sites at our operations.
Core to achieving effective environmental management is our roll-out of ISO 14001 systems which helps us meet and, where possible, exceed legal requirements, manage risk and drive further improvements. We actively manage biodiversity at our quarries using site specific Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) which are developed by independent ecologists.
Enhancing Biodiversity
With 223 active quarries in 13 countries, we are very aware of our interactions with species and habitats at our different locations. We believe we have a responsibility to protect the natural biodiversity found in these varied environments, and the implementation of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) is central to this aim.
BAPs help us to set site-specific targets and strategies for protecting local fauna and habitats. BAPs complement the comprehensive restoration process that we put in place after our quarries are no longer in use. This enhances natural biodiversity and helps reintroduce former species back to the area.
Podcasts - Listen to David Bellamy
Listen to David Bellamy talk about Biodiversity in the community with school children at Alnwick Castle:
David Bellamy Introduction to Biodiversity for schools (mp3, 2353kb)
David Bellamy on Biodiversity in everyday life (mp3, 1037kb)
Michael Young, Tarmac Estates Manager answers children's questions (mp3, 936kb)
If you would like to set up a Biodiversity Action plan or a Tarmac Quarry School visit for your school or educational institution please Contact PR.
Preserving our heritage
We work in an industry that can bring us into contact with evidence of our heritage through archaeology. In 2008, Tarmac spent £916,000 undertaking archaeological investigations. This included investigation of 162 hectares of land prior to applying for planning consent and 130 hectares of land following determination of planning consent. These investigations can help to uncover interesting finds and add to academic knowledge. Tarmac has been instrumental in developing an industry good practice guide and our approach has been recognised through the British Archaeology Awards, including a Highly Commended award for Cheviot Quarry in Northumberland.
Restoring sites
Progressive restoration in a working quarry or final restoration at the end of a site's working life are part of our responsible stewardship, and we have comprehensive restoration schemes in place for each quarry operation. In 2008, we were actively restoring over 1,258 hectares of land across our UK and international businesses. In the UK, 257 hectares are actively being restored to agricultural land, 171 hectares to conservation or amenity and 76 hectares to woodland.
Efficient Use of Natural Resources
As a leading provider of materials and products, we acknowledge that we have a responsibility for the careful management and efficient use of natural resources throughout our operations and supply chain. Our strategy is to:
operate efficient manufacturing processes which minimise waste
make beneficial use of wastes and secondary materials from other parts of society as useful components in our materials and products
manufacture recycled products using aggregates from wastes and by-products
produce durable, low-maintenance products
help customers reduce waste generated by their operations.
Water is another valuable natural resource for society, one which we also depend upon for our business. Tarmac uses both potable and abstracted water in our operations and products and we recognise our responsibility to actively manage and reduce our water consumption.
Links to:
Nosterfield quarry - currently in restoration phase
Environmental Policy
