: Lafarge

Panshanger quarry planning application to move quarry operations away from Cole Green and Birch Green

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:06:17 GMT

The mineral planning consent for Panshanger Quarry requires that restoration is achieved using only soils and clays from the site and that no imported materials are to be used. This restoration scheme has been successfully implemented on large areas of the site. However after re-evaluating the useable minerals within phase G (south of the A414 near Birch Green), Lafarge believes the limited volume of material there is not marketable.

There is little point excavating Phase G just to deliver restoration on another part of the site. This planning application is to complete the approved restoration by importing inert restoration materials - such as subsoils and clays - from local development projects.

Lafarge is submitting a planning application to Hertfordshire County Council to vary five planning conditions to rephase the workings and import inert restoration materials to deliver a modified restoration scheme. The proposals have been discussed at meetings of both the Management Committtee and Liasion Group.

None of the existing legal obligations on Lafarge would be changed.

The most significant benefit of this approach is that operations would no longer be close to the residential areas of Cole Green and Birch Green, as workings would be confined to north of the A414. Other specific benefits include:

Phase G would not be quarried - so the agricultural land would be safeguarded
following consultation with the Liaison Committee, the length of permissive footpaths and bridleways would be increased by some 2,370 metres
the consented life of the current workings would be reduced by approximately 10 years - and carried out on a much more sustainable basis
the inert materials used sustainably for land restoration would be tightly controlled by the Environment Agency.

The application also seeks approval to include new habitats in the existing restoration scheme. These would enhance the existing habitats and complement the existing ecological value of the site. They would include:

bare sandy cliffs with seasonally wet scrapes, for colonisation by invertebrates and birds, in particular mining bees and wasps
plant site lagoons reinstated to wetland and wet grassland - not agriculture - particularly beneficial for reed warblers and dragonflies
seasonally wet marshland in the Broadwater meadow, with ditches and small ponds to encourage water voles
conservation headlands around the arable fields to provide habitats for invertebrates such as bees, wasps and dragonflies and bird cover crops for non game birds.

Mike Pendock, Regional Planning and Estates Manager for Lafarge says,

"It is not sustainable to extract and process minerals from Phase G just to restore workings elsewhere in the quarry.

"A much better solution would be to import inert restoration materials to restore Phases F and H under the control of an Environmental Permit regulated by the Environment Agency

"It seems to make more sense not to dig Phase G at all, but to keep the untouched land in agricultural use.

"The proposals also include some improvements to the currently consented restoration scheme, to increase contributions to the local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and provide a long term net increase in the permissive footpaths and bridleways across the site.

"We have been discussing these proposals for some time with the Panshanger Park Management Committee, the planning authority and the site Liaison Group and are confident that we have reached a practical working agreement for this area of the site."

The full application will be available here.

Lafarge gives 2012 Eisteddfod major sponsorship boost

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:19:16 GMT

A major donation from construction materials company, Lafarge is helping Eisteddfod organisers keep ‘on track’ in the build up to this year’s festival. Through a partnership between Lafarge’s cement works at Aberthaw, and its stone quarry at Ewenny near Bridgend, the company is donating over £10,000 worth of stone for the construction of the road and access ways around the Maes, establishing Lafarge as one of the major ‘gold’ sponsors.

Elfed Roberts explains the difference this Lafarge sponsorship makes: “We are delighted that Lafarge has come on board as a major sponsor and partner. This donation of material and the expertise Lafarge brings with it in terms of the use of the stone, will make a major difference to the event, especially with our unpredictable Welsh weather! Lafarge plays a major role in the communities and economies of South Wales and it is a pleasure to be associated with the company for the 2012 Eisteddfod.”

Aberthaw Works manager James Kirkpatrick adds: “We are very excited to be working with the Eisteddfod organisers, especially as the festival comes to the Vale of Glamorgan in 2012, Aberthaw Works’ Centenary year. Through a joint approach, we were able to agree a sizable donation of material from our Ewenny Quarry near Bridgend.

“In addition to providing the material with which to construct the main site road, we will also have a presence in the Eisteddfod Science Pavilion. This will give us an opportunity to demonstrate the science behind Lafarge’s manufacturing processes and raise the profile of construction materials as an important industry for the future.”

The National Eisteddfod is held at old airfield in Llandow near Cowbridge and Llantwit Major from 4-11 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.org.uk.

Second Lafarge sponsorship boost for Waterhouses pool

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:27:11 GMT

For the second year running. Lafarge Cement’s Cauldon Works has given Waterhouses Pool a major boost with a donation of £300. The donation will help cover the costs of employing lifeguards and therefore help keep this important community resource open for public swimming sessions.

Cauldon Works health and safety coordinator Andy Jones, who visited the pool to make the donation, comments: “We are really pleased to be able to sponsor the lifeguards at Waterhouses Pool for another year. The presence of trained lifeguards means that the pool can continue to be used safely by members of the public. We very much hope this donation may encourage other local companies to come forward with sponsorship for this sporting venue.”

Waterhouses Pool’s secretary, Louise Croome adds: “We are very grateful to Lafarge for agreeing to sponsor us for a second year. We are continually looking for support from local companies and also ways in which we can make local people more aware of what we can offer at Waterhouses Pool. We run public sessions, you can hire the pool for parties, and there are also children's swimming lessons run by a local organisation. See our web site for details www.waterhousesswim.org.uk.”

Competition Commission Approves Joint Venture with Tarmac

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:08:35 GMT

Lafarge welcomes the Competition Commission's decision to approve the proposed joint venture between Lafarge's UK operations and Tarmac. The approval is subject to a number of conditions which both Lafarge and Anglo American are confident can be met.

Whilst certain assets will require divestment, the combination of the two businesses is expected to deliver recurring synergies through increased operational efficiencies, improved logistics and value-added products. The joint venture will be a market leading UK construction materials company in the supply of cement, concrete, aggregates, asphalt and contracting services.

Lafarge limestone plays part in rebirth of Teesside steelmaking

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:48:20 GMT

Limestone from Lafarge quarries is playing an essential part in the rebirth of the steel industry on Teesside.

Thousands of tonnes of material from Dowlow in Derbyshire and Thrislington in County Durham, are being supplied to the reinvigorated Teesside steel works.

It is the first time Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK has directly sold into the steelmaking market from Dowlow and the deal could see around 500,000 tonnes a year supplied from the quarry.

Steve Lea, Lafarge northern aggregates sales manager said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for us and we are proud to be part of the return of steelmaking in the north east.

"Not only will this bring jobs back to the plant but it will cascade down to all the companies which provide associated services and be a real catalyst for regeneration."

Mothballed by Tata Steel in February 2010, The Teesside Cast Products plant, was purchased by Thai firm Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI) in a £291m deal in March last year.

After many months of preparation the monstrous blast furnace, as big as St Paul's Cathedral, and one of the largest in Europe, was relit on 15 April.

In preparation for the relight Lafarge supplied by rail initial orders of 15,000 tonnes of both carboniferous limestone from Dowlow and dolomitic limestone - useful for absorbing silica in the iron ore - from Thrislington.

The Dowlow delivery was the first stock of raw material to reach the steel works, ahead of a shipment of iron ore from Brazil, while the Thrislington cargo required the opening of the site's railhead for the first time in 23 years - a prospect which excited site manager, Steve Carter.

He said:

"The last train went from Thrislington in 1993 so to see the wagons load and move off was quite a momentous sight. Our railhead is now fully functional again which is great."

Peter Wheeldon, product technical manager, explained various aspects of Lafarge's operations appealed to SSI, including quality of current and future mineral and impressive sustainable transport credentials.

He said:

"The reopening of the Redcar plant is of immense importance for Teesside, there is a real buzz around the place and a renewed optimism. We are very excited to be part of that."

* An essential element in iron-making - the first step towards creating steel - limestone absorbs impurities in the blast furnace, forming liquid slag which can then be separated from the liquid iron which goes on to make the steel.

Lafarge's limestone is mixed into a 170,000 tonne stockpile of iron ore and coke dust to form sinter.

This combination is partly burnt at a sinter plant where it forms large lumps called a sinter bed which can be more easily handled by the blast furnace.

The sinter bed, lump iron ore and lump coke are then put in the furnace and cooked at temperatures greater than 1,500 degrees centigrade to create iron.

The blast furnace now fired up is expected to burn constantly for the next 15 years, producing 11,000 tonnes of iron a day.

Drives on safety and sustainability ensure success for Lafarge at fleet ‘Oscars’

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:05:16 GMT

Lafarge triumphed at the ‘Oscars' of the fleet industry after impressing judges with its proactive safety and sustainability schemes.

The construction materials company was named Fleet of the Year in the 501-1,000 vehicle category.

Organised by trade publication, Fleet News, and now in their 24^th year, the awards seek to recognise the best firms, vehicles, people and practices in fleet.

Rebecca Chivers, UK car fleet advisor for Lafarge (UK) Services, picked up the honour during a glittering ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

Rebecca, who is responsible for the fleet for both Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK and Lafarge Cement, said:

"It was an amazing night and I felt truly privileged to accept the award on behalf of everyone at Lafarge.

"These awards are regarded as the ‘Oscars' of the fleet world so even being nominated is an achievement - but to go on and win is absolutely fantastic and a real testament to all our hard work."

The awards attract big names in fleet services from across the country, representing all kinds of organisation, from private firms to government bodies and local authorities.

As part of the awards process Rebecca worked with strategic sourcing manager Mark Giannasi and lease provider GE on an initial submission, then earlier this year was asked to give a 10 minute presentation to kick off a 30 minute interview.

Rebecca said:

"I told the judges about the range of initiatives we had introduced over the last 12 months, particularly around safety and sustainability.

"Our driver training programme for instance is aimed at improving motoring skills, raising safety awareness and reducing accidents.

"At Lafarge our aim is ‘zero harm', so we do everything we can to ensure our employees work safely and that includes when they are on the road in a company vehicle.

"Limiting our impact on the environment is also a key priority and we are continuously striving to operate as sustainably as possible.

"Our carbon emissions reduction measures will continue year-on-year as part of this commitment to the environment.

"We moved to diesel-only in 2010, introduced hybrids to our fleet late last year and also in 2010 implemented a yearly driver survey.

"I am so proud we have achieved this award, it really is an amazing accomplishment."

Lafarge grant ensures brighter future for bereaved parents

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:09:44 GMT

Building materials firm Lafarge has donated more than £1,700 to help buy specialist baby movement monitors aimed at reassuring families devastated by cot death.

The generous donation means four new CONI (Care of the Next Infant) monitors can be purchased for use by parents in Leeds who have previously suffered a cot death in their family.

The equipment, organised through cot death charity, The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID), picks up movements as the baby breathes and will ring an alarm if movements stop for longer than 20 seconds.

Staff from Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust accepted the cheque on behalf of FSID. Health visitors from the trust will use the new machines with local families in need.

Workers at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK's Readymix plant in Leeds heard about the need for the movement monitors and suggested the company might be able to help.

Lafarge's sector manager, West Yorkshire, Chris Snowball, said:

"We found out about FSID and their Care of Next Infant programme in Leeds which needed four new movement monitors.

"As a caring company which always aims to support its local communities we were keen to help with a donation to cover the cost.

"Each movement monitor lasts for around nine years and will be used by up to 18 families which means our support will leave a lasting legacy in the community and could benefit up to 72 families in the Leeds area.

"We are immensely proud to be supporting such a worthwhile organisation and helping to make a difference to families who have been through so much suffering but are looking forward to a brighter future."

FSID's Care of Next Infant Programme (CONI) runs across the UK from various health centres and delivers tailored local support to families via a specially trained coordinator.

By offering advice, information, practical support and equipment, CONI helps reassure and reduce the fears of new parents who have already lost a baby from cot death.

The programme includes weekly health visitor home visits, provision of a movement monitor, a symptom diary, a room thermometer, training in infant resuscitation and scales to monitor the baby's weight.

Since it began in 1988 CONI has helped more than 12,000 families and last year alone more than 900 families enrolled.

Leeds mum, Ruth Moran, knows more than anyone what a difference the CONI scheme can make. Her son, Alexander died of cot death in 1998 aged 18 months.

Welcoming the donation, she said:

"I can't praise the CONI scheme enough. I had two children, Joseph then Sophie, very quickly after Alexander died and they were both on CONI.

"The support from the health visitor coming weekly and just listening to my worries was invaluable to me, also Joseph wasn't feeding well so the weighing scales helped me to realise that he was thriving and gaining weight slowly but surely.

"The apnoea alarm gave me a lot of reassurance that my child was actually breathing - at one point I had both babies in my room (there is 13months between them both) with 2 alarms clicking away.

"I look back now and think how did I get through, but I can honestly say without a doubt that it would have been so much harder without the CONI Scheme".

Olwen Tallent, a health visitor for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and CONI coordinator works closely with the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, which funds research into cot deaths.

Olwen said:

"The fear of a repeat cot death is very high and our existing monitors are always in use. The new monitors are very welcome and we thank Lafarge for their generosity."

Jeremy Gould, corporate fundraising officer for FSID said:

"Thanks to Lafarge more families will be able to enjoy the first year of their new baby's life and be reassured that all is well.

"We are enormously grateful for this generous donation which we know will make a huge difference. We are a small charity making a big impact and our work has led to a 70 per cent reduction in the number of cot deaths in the UK since 1991, saving more than 19,000 babies.

"As well as funding cutting-edge medical research we support families shattered by cot death and our CONI programme is one way in which we can help so we are incredibly thankful for continued support."

Modern quarry experiences add 21st century link to heritage project

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:16:33 GMT

Quarry workers of today will become a living part of a major heritage project capturing the unique relationship between industry and community in a Leicestershire village.

Employees at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK's flagship Mountsorrel granite quarry will have their experiences preserved for prosperity during one-to-one sessions with Glassball Art Projects volunteers.

Glassball, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is spearheading research into the unique industrial and social heritage of Mountsorrel village from 1876 when the Mountsorrel Granite Company took over the rights to Broad Hill Quarry.

Entitled Memories of Stone, Steam and Metal, the project aims to collect and preserve stories, creating a lasting record of how quarrying has shaped the village over the last 130 plus years.

While historical accounts are vital, Glassball is also keen to record more contemporary memoirs and gain an impression of how important the modern quarry is to both the local and national economy.

Volunteers will be on hand to speak to current Mountsorrel Quarry staff at the employee quarry open day on April 28, a forerunner to the series of five public open days being organised in early May.

Angus Shedden, quarry manager at Mountsorrel, said:

"We are proud to be involved with this fantastic project and really hope the experiences of our modern day employees will be a valuable addition.

"Quarrying and the community have been closely interlinked in and around Mountsorrel for hundreds of years so recording that relationship for future generations before the information is lost is essential.

"It is also important to highlight the role of Mountsorrel in 2012 and help people understand the vital part it plays in contributing to both the local and national economy and how its' unique material supports infrastructure and development across the UK."

Glassball has already started documenting family stories and organised workshops, film-making and photography events.

Cora Glasser, from Glassball, said:

"The project is going really well. Through collecting and preserving stories we aim to create a lasting record of people's experience of living and working in Mountsorrel and help future generations understand the role the quarry has played in the village's history and in the present day.

"The contemporary accounts from people working at Mountsorrel Quarry today will be an important element of the project and we are looking forward to speaking to Lafarge employees and getting lots of modern day experiences."

Lafarge boost for oxygen therapy centre

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:22:10 GMT

Lafarge Cement UK has given Larne charity, the Oxygen Therapy Centre a major boost in the form of a cash donation to help with the running costs and upkeep of their building.

The donation to the Magheramorne Centre is linked to the very high profile HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ which has been running on the Sky Atlantic channel. Lafarge’s former cement works site at Magheramorne, along with other areas in Northern Ireland, has been used temporarily as one of the main locations for filming this series. As a result, Lafarge has received a location fee, part of which it is passing on to this very important local charity.

The Centre, which was set up in 1988, provides intensive oxygen therapy for patients with Neurological/Physical conditions such as, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Stroke, Rheumatoid Arthritis, sports injuries and other ailments. Treatment takes place by using specialist masks and hoods, and by using a specialised pressure chamber where they can breathe 100% pure oxygen under Air Pressure. This process is not a cure but can be effective in helping heal wounds and avoid deterioration of illnesses such as MS.

The charity suffered a major blow recently through vandalism and burglary but the Centre’s managers have been overwhelmed with the range of support it has received from the community in Larne, including from Lafarge.

Lafarge’s Magheramorne Project manager, Lloyd McInally explains: “We have had a long-standing relationship with the Oxygen Therapy Centre and try to support them where we can. In fact they are based in former works offices here at Magheramorne. As many local people know we have outline planning permission to transform the former Works site into a vibrant recreational and leisure destination for Northern Ireland. These plans include a world-class sustainable eco-village and a World Cycling Centre as the central features. As we develop detailed plans and hold discussions with potential developers, the site has proved to be a popular set for photography and filming. So it seemed appropriate for us to donate part of the location fee to the Centre and help them enhance the invaluable service they offer to people right across the area.”

Vickie Shaw, Oxygen Therapy Centre manager, comments: “We are very grateful to Lafarge for using their location fee in this way and giving us such a substantial donation. This sponsorship will help the Centre go from strength to strength and help more people in the region benefit. The funds will be used for fixing and repainting the barge boards on the outside of the building and also for the running costs of the Centre, for example oxygen for clients, electricity and oil heating.”

The Oxygen Therapy Centre completed 1,118 treatments in 2011 for people from as far afield as Scotland and Barcelona.

Lafarge supports Peak District theatre company

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:07:53 GMT

The support of Lafarge Cement’s Hope Works in the Peak District has helped a local theatre company prepare to go on tour with a haunting new play about a First World War fighter pilot.

‘Thin Air’ is a new play which is the result of a Peak District-based partnership between local author Berlie Doherty and the Cotton Grass Theatre Company which has its home in Bradwell. Lafarge Cement, which is based in the Hope Valley, provided the theatre company with a free rehearsal space at their on-site social club.

The play, which tells the story of how a young man's dream of flight has ghostly consequences, is directed by the acclaimed Joyce Branagh who is based in the North West. Set in the shadow of two world wars, this haunting family saga is a tale of ambition and secrets and passion unspent. It tells the story of a First World War fighter pilot who returns home from the horrors of the war in possession of a secret that will haunt his community for generations to come. The play has been written by Carnegie Award-winning author Berlie Doherty who lives and works in Derbyshire.

Lafarge’s Hope Works manager, Ashley Bryan, comments: “Cotton Grass Theatre Company is based very close to our Works and it was a real pleasure to be able to offer them some practical help in their preparations for going on tour with ‘Thin Air’. It was also a pleasure to be associated, through the play and rehearsals, with renowned local author Berlie Doherty and director Joyce Branagh. Whilst the play is touring nationally, it is being shown at some very local venues and I hope that local people will go along and enjoy what promises to be an intriguing experience.”

Susan Daniel, founder of the Cotton Grass Theatre company adds: “We are an ambitious theatre company committed to presenting good quality productions. However we are limited on budget and space when we are pulling a play together. The Lafarge offer of this free space in which to rehearse was very gratefully received. As a major employer, Lafarge plays an important part in the economy of the Peak District and we were pleased to partner with them in the preparation for taking ‘Thin Air’ on tour.”

TOUR DATES:
March 2-3: MOSI - Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester - www.wegottickets.com
March 7: The Met Arts Centre, Bury - 0161 761 2216
March 9 - 10: Buxton Opera House - 0845 127 2190
March 16 – 17: RAF Museum, Hendon - www.wegottickets.com
March 22 - 24: Thornbridge Hall, Nr. Bakewell, Derbyshire - www.wegottickets.com
March 29: Tideswell Theatre
March 30 - 31: Lantern Theatre, Sheffield - 0114 255 1776

Lafarge Cement scores global safety goal

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:05:25 GMT

A spirit of total team commitment to safety has paid off for Lafarge Cement’s Cookstown Works with a major global milestone. The site, which has been operating for over 40 years and manufactures up to half a million tonnes of cement each year, has achieved a decade without a ‘Lost Time Injury’ (LTI) – an injury that prevents an employee or contractor returning to work the next day.

For the 80 people employed at Cookstown Works, and all the contractors who support throughout the year, reaching 10 years without a LTI reinforces the site’s place in Lafarge Group’s record books. Of the company’s 170 cement production sites across the world, this is the longest any site has gone without a LTI.

Thanks to this record-breaking performance, and in addition to a planned off-site event, members of the Works team have had an opportunity to share in a celebration of a different kind. Through links with the local Manchester City Supporters’ Club, Cookstown Works employees have been able to get close to the actual FA Cup, which the team won last season, beating Stoke City 1-0 and bringing the club its first piece of silverware for 35 years.

Commenting on this significant landmark, Cookstown Works manager, William McGucken explains further: “This is a proud moment for the team here at Cookstown Works. Through continued hard work and constant vigilance on safety in all aspects of our operation, we have managed to maintain our safety performance and achieve this fantastic record. I congratulate everyone who has played a part.

“A culture of assessing risks, proceeding with care and looking our for each other has helped us contribute to the Lafarge Group’s ultimate goal of ‘zero harm’ to any of our employees or contractors.

“Access to the FA Cup has been a timely bonus, especially for the local fans who support Manchester City. Through our control room operator, Colin Wilson (Secretary of Cookstown Supporters’ Club), we were able to work with Cookstown District Council and hold a double celebration at the Glenavon Hotel. This event, plus the plans we have in place to mark our 10-year LTI-free milestone on site, will give the whole Works team a pat on the back and a memorable way of marking their contribution to this highlight in Cookstown Works’ history.”

Lafarge UK’s President, Dyfrig James adds: “My congratulations go to the whole Cookstown Works team of employees and contractors for achieving this world first for Lafarge’s cement business. This team is an inspiration for all of us across the Lafarge Group and we will be working hard to ensure their approach to safety is used as an example to follow at other sites. Well done.”

Winter no obstacle for new Chronolia™ Weathermix

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:11:53 GMT

Lafarge has launched a unique, new cold-busting concrete designed to set even at low temperatures.

Chronolia^TM Weathermix can tolerate far colder conditions than standard concrete with an accelerated setting time to allow construction to continue even in wintry weather.

Nick Yell, product development manager in the Readymix division at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, said the product was a brand new innovation for the UK.

He added:

"The idea is Weathermix is less sensitive to cold weather conditions than conventional concrete.

"While it is not an anti-freeze concrete, because of its mix design it sets more quickly and produces its heat much better than conventional concrete which means it can be used in winter weather situations where conventional concrete would struggle to set."

Based on Lafarge's fast-setting Chronolia^TM, Weathermix can be placed in temperatures between 3 and -7 degrees centigrade.

The concrete is mixed at a Lafarge plant and the temperature monitored so that it is more than 5 degrees centigrade before it goes out to the customer.

With the mixing of the readymix truck and the heat generated naturally from the mix the concrete can be placed and as long as it is protected overnight should achieve sufficient maturity to resist ongoing winter conditions.

Weathermix builds on the existing wide range of Lafarge products, developed through years of research and expert innovation and designed to meet the ever-changing needs of a varied client base and their sustainability requirements.

Nick said:

"It is imperative the customer protects the concrete - it is all about trapping the heat in so it will cook and gain strength quickly.

"This is the benefit of Chronolia^TM Weathermix as conventional concrete would actually struggle to set sufficiently in colder temperatures."

Similar mixes are used routinely in north America where winters are harsh but construction schedules need to be maintained but Chronolia^TM Weathermix is a first for Lafarge in the UK.

Quitting quarrymen say ‘stub it out’

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:57:11 GMT

Determined workers at Lafarge's Mountsorrel Quarry are looking forward to a healthier and wealthier 2012 after stubbing out their cigarette habit.

Six staff showed true grit by giving up following a health screening day run by Leicester city's smoking cessation team.

Having successfully quit, the quarrymen are urging others whose New Year's resolutions may be floundering a few weeks in to stick with it.

The team were invited in by quarry operator Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK as part of the annual Health & Safety month - an initiative aimed at highlighting health and safety issues, encouraging good practice and improving employees' well-being.

After meeting and chatting with the team Mick decided he'd do his best to give up.

Along with colleagues he attended fortnightly group sessions where the cessation team gave advice and did general health checks and the quarry workers shared experiences.

"I've never really been that into all this group session business but it actually was a worthwhile thing to do.

"You felt you were getting support and the team were really taking on board your concerns and listening to you rather than thinking you were just moaning.

"It was also good to know that the company was behind us and that our managers here were really enthusiastic about us taking steps to improve our lifestyle."

Mick has now been a happier, healthier non-smoker for more than five months and is feeling the benefits.

"My cravings have gone now and I feel stronger and fitter in myself and I don't get out of breath climbing stairs or doing anything strenuous.

"Giving up has been a really positive experience for me. I know there might be some people out there who made a New Year resolution to quit and might be faltering, but my message to them is keep going - you'll be glad you did."

Lafarge UK's 'Cool Concrete' sets blueprint for sustainable construction at Ecobuild 2012

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:19:22 GMT

Lafarge UK will unveil its solution to sustainable housing - a representation of a life-sized carbon friendly home - at Ecobuild 2012.

The bespoke ‘Cool Concrete’ building feature will reveal many of Lafarge’s innovative products and materials from its cement, aggregates and concrete divisions. It will also showcase the company’s proposed Waterford Hamel project.

Waterford Hamel is a pioneering beyond zero carbon development that provides a blue-print for scalable and commercially viable housing solutions capable of exceeding the government’s target of all new homes being zero carbon by 2016.

In addition to taking a tour of the sustainable house, which forms part of the Lafarge Ecobuild 2012 stand, visitors can speak with experts from across the business about its advanced product portfolio. These have been developed to help customers meet their environmental targets for a wide range of commercial and domestic applications by offering strong sustainability credentials as well as superior performance and durability.

Based on the minimalist design of the Barcelona Pavillion by prestigious architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, ‘Cool Concrete’ combines Lafarge’s 20 Rules of Sustainable Construction which underpin the company’s ethos, placing sustainability at the heart of the business and its operations. These range from building using the benefits of concrete’s thermal mass to using recycled rain water, sourcing materials from local suppliers, and exploiting natural lighting.

Lafarge Cement UK will be showcasing its pioneering sustainable bulk cements, PhoenixTM,and CemergiTM . Experts from the team will also be on hand to demonstrate and talk about its range of specialist packed products including its new range of packed ready to use Concretes which have been developed with a focus on reduced waste and resulting eco-efficiency through sustainable plastic packaging.

Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK will exhibit its broad range of building materials, including self-compacting AgiliaTM, low-shrink ExtensiaTM, rapid-setting ChronoliaTM, decorative Artevia™ and permeable Hydromedia™ concretes, Capilia™ a Sustainable Urban Drainage sub-base solution and the sustainable Asphalt EnvirophaltTM, made using recycled asphalt.

Many of the products on display at the Lafarge stand are the result of the company’s Research and Development facility in Lyon which employs over 200 scientists working to improve the environmental credentials of Lafarge’s building products.

Dave Shenton, National Environment Manager at Lafarge Cement UK, said: “It is an honour to be showcasing our products and latest housing construction project to an audience of industry experts at one of the world’s leading sustainability events. We pride ourselves on offering materials that are created with sustainability in mind throughout the production process. Our team is excited to show Ecobuild attendees what we have been working on since we were there last year and demonstrate our most innovative ideas when it comes to low carbon construction.”

Emma Hines, Sustainable Construction and Development Manager at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, said: “Cool Concrete is a prime example of how concrete and the benefits of its thermal mass properties can provide sustainable construction solutions for the future and help the UK reach its carbon reduction targets. By employing the thermal mass capability of concrete along with other sustainable construction methods and materials we can show how a building like Cool Concrete can contribute to the demand for zero carbon living.”

Visit Lafarge’s ‘Cool Concrete’ on Stand N1440 at Ecobuild, ExCel, London, 20-22 March 2012.

Lafarge to apply for additional sustainable fuel permit at Hope

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:28:16 GMT

Building on 12 years of successful use of waste-derived materials as fuels at its Hope Works, Lafarge Cement UK has announced plans to use an additional sustainable fossil fuel replacement. If given the go ahead by the Environment Agency (EA), this fuel could save up to 24,000 tonnes of coal each year (enough to power over 7,000 homes for a year); and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 30,000 tonnes.

In a move which will help reduce its carbon footprint and control escalating energy costs, Lafarge has announced it is applying to the EA for permission to use Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) as an additional waste-derived fuel at Hope Works.

The Works already uses a range of traditional fuels including coal, as well as sustainable alternatives: scrap tyre chips, Meat and Bone Meal (MBM), and, since last year, Processed Sewage Pellets (PSP).

Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan explains why Lafarge wants to gain permission for this fourth waste-derived fuel: “Waste-derived fuels are a fantastic success story for Lafarge. At a time when we are dealing with a turbulent market, and continually escalating costs, these fuels offer us an all-round solution. Our successful use of tyre chips, MBM and now PSP gives us a sound basis on which to continue building our use of waste-based materials in our fuel-intensive process. What we offer is a route to use this material in a very positive way, gaining valuable energy from a waste and helping reduce our carbon footprint and energy bill at the same time.

“SRF mainly consists of plastics, packaging materials, paper, wood and other material found in domestic and industrial wastes. We will apply to use this fuel in a shredded or ‘flock’ form, the specification for which will be agreed with the EA to ensure it is a suitable fuel both in terms of energy value and its composition. It has an average ‘biomass’ component of 50 per cent, which is classed as ‘carbon neutral’1. Waste-derived fuels like SRF continue to offer many benefits to our business – they help us maintain our environmental performance, reduce our carbon emissions and manage our very high energy costs. At a time like this when we are operating in a very tough market, this fuel offers us an economically viable and environmentally beneficial solution.”

SRF is already used as an effective fuel in the cement-making process. Lafarge uses it at 27 sites in 12 countries including Austria and France. It has also been used for two years at Hope Works’ sister plant in Cauldon, Staffordshire and in 2011 our Aberthaw Works in South Wales received a permit to evaluate SRF.

If Lafarge is given the go ahead to use this fuel, the company will achieve several environmental benefits:
· Reduction in the amount of fossil fuels used
· Offer a positive use of waste-derived material (energy recovery)
· Reduction in carbon footprint
· Maintain or improve overall environmental performance at Hope Works

Ashley Bryan continues: “We are now undertaking a period of consultation with local people which will provide opportunities for them to feed in their views and for us to respond to any questions prior to the submission of our application to the EA. Once this process is complete, the EA will review all the information gathered and decide on whether to grant us a permit to evaluate SRF. During the fuel evaluation period, extensive emissions testing will be carried out. This data will be studied and submitted to the EA for their consideration in order for a decision to be made on whether to give us permission to use this fuel on a permanent basis.”

The company is consulting with the local community around Hope to find out people’s views on the plans to use SRF. A newsletter has been issued to 5,000 households and exhibitions are also being held at the company’s Social Club, adjacent to the Works on:
· Friday 24 February 4-7pm
· Saturday 25 February 10-12noon
(Lafarge Social Club, off Pindale Road, Hope, S33 6RP – please note that the Club has its own turning off Pindale Road and its own car park. Visitors should avoid taking the Works turning.)

Ashley Bryan concludes: “In keeping with our commitment to open communications about our operation, we are keen to talk to our neighbours about our plans to use SRF. We invite local residents to come along to one of these exhibitions to find out more. Supported by other members of my team, I will be there to answer any questions they may have.

“The use of SRF is based on worldwide use and proven technology. It offers benefits all-round for Hope Works, including helping us retain our competitive position in a challenging market.”

1 'Bio-mass' - a term for vegetable or some organic matter that can be used as a source of energy – they are classified as 'carbon neutral' because the carbon dioxide released when burnt is equal to the amount captured during their growth.

Road-savvy pupils receive reward from Lafarge

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:45:09 GMT

Pupils who took part in a road safety campaign run by building materials firm, Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, now have a standout souvenir.

Schoolchildren at Roundhill Community College in Thurmaston collected bright orange hoodies from Lafarge staff as the culmination of the pioneering project.

The hoodie was the winning entry in a competition challenging youngsters to come up with a piece of high visibility clothing or accessory.

Lara was delighted to be one of the first Year 7 pupils to pick up the finished article. She said:

"I never thought I would win the competition. I just thought I would have a go.

"It was fantastic when I found out that my design had won. I think the hoodie looks brilliant and I can't wait to wear it."

John Dargie, head of distribution and customer service centre for aggregates at Lafarge based in Syston, said:

"Our road safety campaign with Roundhill was an enormous success and will become the inspiration for other projects at our sites up and down the country.

"For Lafarge, health and safety is paramount and road safety in particular is a key area.

"We wanted to make youngsters more savvy when it comes to road safety and more aware of road users, especially HGVs."

Among the highlights of the project were fun sessions on guessing stopping distances and blind spots and getting a real drivers' eye ‘view from the cab' by climbing on board a Lafarge HGV delivery truck.

Students were also invited to create ‘Newsround style' mini films based around road incident scenarios and take part in two competitions - one to design a hi-vis item and the other to produce a safety poster to be used for future initiatives.

Year 7 pupils Dhilesh Chauhan and Ruby Morriss were joint winners of the poster competition with their entries combined to create one ‘Be a stranger to danger' cycle safe, road safety message.

Pauline Munro, principal at Roundhill said:

"All our Year 7 pupils who took part in the project said they had a great time and learnt a lot.

"I think Lafarge should be commended for reaching out into the community and being proactive in spreading the road safety message in a way which appeals to youngsters and ensures they take information on board which will help keep them safe."

Lafarge showcase sustainable housing solutions

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:16:53 GMT

Lafarge will be among the ‘champions of sustainable construction' celebrated at a high profile parliamentary reception arranged by The Green Organisation.

The event, at the Strangers Dining Room, House of Commons, today, Wednesday, January 18, will feature some of the companies which have most impressed in the Built Environment section of the Green Organisation's Green Apple Awards, one of the world's most popular environmental campaigns.

Leicestershire-based Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK (LACUK) will be among the firms being presented to Parliament, enabling it to showcase its contribution to the UK's future homes, communities and business centres.

Part of the Lafarge Group - the world's largest building materials manufacturer - LACUK is committed to developing innovative products which can play a part in ensuring the UK meets its goal to achieve an 80 per cent carbon reduction by 2050.

In the year the Green Deal will become available to encourage existing homes and businesses to become more energy efficient, Lafarge will also use the reception to launch a unique partnership.

The partnership will lead the way in developing pioneering yet easily scalable and commercially-viable solutions to constructing new housing which will meet the Government's target of all new homes being zero-carbon by 2016.

Stuart Wykes, managing director for the aggregates business of LACUK, said:

"Success for the UK in achieving the target of an 80 per cent carbon reduction by 2050 will require the support of innovative and environmentally responsible companies in the fields of architecture, construction and property management.

"We plan to use our experience of creating sustainable and ever more environmentally sound products, together with our expertise in building materials to forge ahead with a groundbreaking partnership we are developing with SEArch Architects and a major UK housebuilder.

Stuart continued:

"This partnership will connect critical aspects of the UK construction chain from leading sustainable design, building materials innovation and quality construction. It will lead the way in showing how intelligent design and the inventive use of heavy and innovative building materials can provide new solutions to low impact, fossil fuel free living, answering the challenge of how we safeguard finite natural resources."

LACUK's architectural partners, SEArch Architects will also feature at the reception along with Alumet, specialists in the design, production and installation of the entire building envelope, Land Securities the largest commercial property company in the UK and The Green Organisation, the independent, not-for-profit group which launched the Green Apple Awards for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage more than 12 years ago.

Lafarge grit ensures schools are winter ready

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:53 GMT

Pupils, staff and visitors at two North Yorkshire schools will be safer from icy slips this winter thanks to donations of winter grit from Lafarge.

The schools, Mowbray in Bedale and Bolton on Swale St Mary's Church of England Primary, each received two tonnes of the material to use on paths and the playground when bad weather strikes.

The winter grit, a 50/50 blend of rock salt and sand plays a dual role, with the salt melting the ice and the sharp sand adding grip.

Michael Hawkins, northern aggregates rep for Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, organised the donations from stocks which have just come in to Marfield Quarry, near Masham.

This is the first year Marfield has stocked grit and is part of a company wide plan to offer more products to help customers cope with winter.

Marfield Quarry multi unit manager, Jon Merchant and assistant quarry manager, Peter Brodigan delivered the winter grit to Mowbray while Tony Tait, site manager at Kiplin Hall and Wath delivered the material to St Mary's.

Michael said: "Lafarge is always keen to support its neighbouring communities and obviously as a quarrying and construction materials company one of its biggest priorities is health and safety.

"Now we have rock salt and sand available at Marfield Quarry we thought why not help some local schools to ensure the youngsters and any staff or visitors are safer from trips and falls because of ice this winter.
"This grit will really come in useful for Mowbray and St Mary's and will save them having to buy in other product."

Headteacher at St Mary's, Nicola Dobson, said: "We are very grateful for the support from Lafarge this winter and appreciate their work with the local community."

Coxhoe Primary School in County Durham also received grit as part of the donation scheme.
The grit can be purchased from Marfield Quarry near Masham, please call the Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK customer service centre on 0844 561 7751 for prices and more information.

Lafarge and Furness Brothers give rugby club car park a makeover

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:08:46 GMT

A donation comprising 200 tonnes of crushed stone, the loan of some specialist machinery and a significant amount of manpower has helped Hope Valley Rugby Club transform its car park and, at the same time, improve access to a children’s play area.

The crushed stone has turned the quagmire car park into a good quality hardstanding area, improving facilities for rugby players and visitors, for the emergency services (should they need to attend to any injuries), but also for Castleton children as the car park is located next to the play area.

Local company Lafarge Cement donated the stone from its supply of rejects at its quarry at Hope Works. Working with its neighbour Furness Brothers, the two companies coordinated the delivery of the stone through several lorry trips, with the use of the lorry and specialist driver thrown in as part of the donation. The final part of this community support project came through local equipment hire company Robert Atkin who used their JCB to prepare the ground and lay the stone.

Hope Valley Rugby Club chairman, Steve Richardson commented: “For a local sporting club like ours, it was great to be able to secure the support of these local companies. Our club has gone from strength to strength, getting promoted each year. With this success comes more traffic in and out of the club grounds and the car park was not of a good enough standard. This fantastic team effort between three local companies has culminated in the biggest single donation of support we have had so far as a club. Thanks to Lafarge for donating the stone and to Furness Brothers and Robert Atkins for transporting the stone here and installing it.”

Lafarge Cement Hope Works’ manager Ashley Bryan says: “Where we can we try to support local community organisations. Some of the stone we quarry is not up to the standard we need for processing into cement product and so it was a pleasure to be able to make use of this material for a good local cause. Working with Furness Brothers and Robert Atkins we were able to take the challenges out of the project for the Club, by ‘loaning’ out equipment, transport and people. We hope the revamped car park proves useful for this successful community club.”

Lafarge celebrates major safety milestone

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:47:59 GMT

Lafarge Cement UK’s Aberthaw Works is rounding off the end of 2011 by celebrating a major safety milestone. The team on site has achieved three years without a Lost Time Injury (an injury which entails an employee or contractor taking time off work).

This is a great achievement for the plant and comes at the end of another very successful year in which the site has also been at the forefront of the company’s UK network in terms of product output, efficiency and reliability.

Aberthaw Works manager, James Kirkpatrick says: "In a heavy industry like cement manufacture it is exceptional to go for such a long period without a significant injury and this success is entirely down to the commitment of the whole team at Aberthaw. No matter what role they play in the operation, everyone in their own way has contributed to making the plant one of the safest cement works in the country".

Traditionally within Lafarge Group, Works teams have always celebrated their successes. For reaching this milestone, the company gave every member of staff a ‘SmartWater’ home security kit. SmartWater is a forensic marking system, only visible under Ultraviolet light and virtually impossible to remove. SmartWater assigns items of value with their own forensic signature, meaning that the Police can irrefutably prove the ownership of any item. This acts as a powerful deterrent to thieves by increasing the chances of arrest and subsequent prosecution. Anyone caught with the material on goods, vehicles or clothing can be linked to a particular crime scene and to date the Police have a 100 per cent success rate prosecuting criminals caught with even microscopic traces of SmartWater. Each home has also been given SmartWater signage to alert would-be thieves to the presence of the forensic technology.

Significantly, the same material has also been adopted at the Lafarge site as a theft deterrent. In recent months Aberthaw Works has been victim to a number of cable thefts which have put members of staff and indeed the criminals themselves at risk of electrocution and death. Regular checks for stolen metal marked with SmartWater are now taking place at scrap yards and at roadsides. It is hoped that the much higher risk of detection and prosecution with SmartWater will deter criminals from targetting the site in future. South Wales Police are fully behind the initiative and were present when the product was launched on site.

Vale Policing Inspector Mark Taylor said: “The introduction of SmartWater technology at the Aberthaw site is a positive step forward as we continue with our commitments to tackle metal theft in the Vale. Cutting into any wiring, especially where the mains services are connected, is extremely dangerous. People who carry out this type of crime expose themselves and others to possible serious injury, or even worse.

“Forensic code liquid technology, such as SmartWater, provides us with yet another weapon in our armoury in the fight against crime. We will continue to work with Lafarge at Aberthaw and our partners in order to ensure the communities and businesses within the Vale stay safe.”

James Kirkpatrick sums up: "Everyone at the plant has put in a tremendous effort to achieve a third year with no Lost Time Injuries. We value our staff's health and safety both at work and at home and it is only right that we can give them an extra measure of security for their families and their property. The best we have found is SmartWater so it seemed appropriate that they be offered the same level of protection as the place where they work".