A SUSTAINABLE MASONRY CHOICE

Did you know using masonry blocks is a sustainable choice? At Baines Masonry, the environment is at the forefront of all aspects of the business from product development to the manufacturing process. The Baines Masonry Betta Block has been designed with the environment in mind, proving several sustainable benefits over other solutions in the market.

Primarily composed of 65 percent heavy industry by-products, the Betta Block boasts a combination of a reduced weight composition with Australian Standard 15MPa compressive strength. Such is the sustainable nature of the Betta Block; through advanced manufacturing technology Baines is reducing landfill waste generated from traditional coal fired electricity and steel making processes.

Manufacturing process refinements allow Baines to reduce the product cement content reliance by up to 40 percent, additionally including an increased Super Fly Ash component resulting in a product being produced that is 40 percent less carbon concentrated, lowering the supply chain carbon footprint by up to 45 percent.

The use of recycled materials means a light weight product, whilst maintaining a compressive strength of more than 15mpa, complying with Australian Standards 4455. The Betta BlockTM range average dry weight is 35 percent less than conventional masonry, with the ‘H’ blocks 10.5kg, the lightest full block in the range. The flow on benefits of lighter masonry blocks includes reducing manual handling risks, lower freight costs and supply chain carbon foot print as Baines can deliver more products per pallet for the same carbon output.

Surrounded by the Sydney basin catchment, Baines’ Appin production facilities have recently been strategically expanded to focus on the company’s commitment to environmental factors of the surrounding ecosystems. The production facility has been designed with not only the consideration of its supply chain environmental impacts but includes how Baines products can help clients embrace sustainability throughout the products lifecycle. Emphasis has been placed on:

• Lower embodied energy kilning techniques
• Reduce greenhouse gases renewable energy use
• Reduced wastage through product repurposing
• Eliminate water pollution capturing run-off, using recycled water and rainwater harvesting.
• Preserve local fauna and flora establishing and maintaining vegetation for the local koala population

The future looks bright for Baines Masonry with several projects underway to continue its environmental commitment. Currently plans are submitted to refurbish the original manufacturing plant with the latest technologies and in particularly the curing technologies. This includes the installation of additional solar panels, water recycling opportunities and a focus on reducing CO2 consumption.

As mentioned, Baines’ environmental commitment is extended to its product offerings, in particular, the Better Block technology. This product range has the potential to provide consumption benefits for the wider market as advances in insulation technology has a flow on effect to the entire market. Improved insulation means consumers are less reliant on energy consuming heating and cooling solutions, reducing their use and improving the markets overall carbon footprint and impact in the environment. Baines Masonry aim to make a greater positive impact on the wider community and environment.

Choosing masonry products is a sustainable choice, so for your next project choose Baines Masonry – Quality First!

Find out more about Baines Masonry via the links below.