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The construction industry can now call on the knowledge of independent brick manufacturer Baggeridge Brick following the formation of its in-house sustainability committee. The aim of the committee is to identify what green practice guidance customers need and supplying them with relevant information.With reports that the construction industry produces one-third of all UK waste, the introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Government's call for all new homes to be zero-carbon by 2016, construction professionals know they have a responsibility to go green. Alison Adderly, commercial manager (pictured left) said: 'Regulations regarding sustainability have come into force so fast that our customers just don't know what they need to do to, or what products they should be using to help them on their way. We feel it's important to have this service.'

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In order to meet local planning requirements and blend in with the prevailing character Forticrete's Anstone and cast stone products have been employed at a housing development in Crich, Derbyshire. The detached houses are primarily built of Anstone Olde Heather Black walling stones with a pitched finish. The pitched finish is rough with a distinctive raised centre, typical of traditional quarry-dressed stone.

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Sedgley-based Baggeridge is celebrating after two of its popular brick types reached a product milestone at its Waresley factory. Works manager recently Eric Conway took the billionth Tuscan Red Multi and Harvest Bluff wire cut bricks off the production line. Both types of brick have been a firm favourite with builders for more than 15 years and Mr Conway said there is still a growing market for them. He went on to add: 'We will continue to endeavour to provide the bricks that our customers demand and we are in no doubt that it won't be long before we are celebrating the next billionth milestone.'

Details for Baggeridge Brick PLC

Over 600m2 of Stepoc dry walling has been supplied by Forticrete for a high profile £8 million hotel and residential build next to Euston station. The block was originally specified solely as a retaining wall for the basement level of the development but it proved so quick and easy to lay the project manager took the decision to change the specification mid-build to incorporate Stepoc as a structural wall into a further three storeys of the building.

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Suppliers of clay roof tiles, Imerys Roof Tiles have launched the first of a new generation of clay plain tiles. Said to be the only clay plain roof tile of its kind, the 20cm x 30cm format offers the versatility, design flexibility and the traditional appearance of smaller tiles, enabling developers to create natural roofscapes more cost effectively. With a coverage of just 43.5 tiles per square metre, this larger economical format requires fewer tiles and battens, and so offers speed and ease of installation, with significant material and labour savings to the building, particularly on larger roofs. Their fine lines, texture and gently shouldered cross camber design reflect the aesthetics of a traditional double camber, whilst the flat underside helps prevent any tile movement or 'chatter' in high winds. The anti-capillary channels also enhance the overall performance and weather tightness of a traditional pitched roof. The 20 x 30 is available in a range of attractive mellow colours, including the popular 'Burnt Red', 'Quercy', 'Alezane' (a charismatic mellow textured colour with the faintest hint of yellow) and Slate, plus a number of regional variations and a full range of colour-matched accessories. All Imerys clay tiles meet the requirements of BS EN 1304 (1997).

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Brick-effect panels from roofing and cladding specialist Stoneflex URP have been used to give a permanent look to a school's new 'portable' classroom block. The panels are made from glass fibre reinforced polyester resin cladding that replicates the traditional appearance of natural bricks.

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British Gypsum is introducing a new 2700mm standard length to its Gypframe 50150 range of 'I' Stud, designed to reduce waste and save time for contractors working on the renovation and conversion of existing buildings into apartments. With typical floor to ceiling heights of 2400-2700mm the existing 3600mm stud lengths proved uneconomical and time consuming to install. The new stud features Ultrasteel treatment for improved strength and fixing.

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