Free carbon reduction tool launched for minerals sector

A new website to help companies producing aggregate cut their carbon dioxide emissions has been launched.

Created by the Carbon Trust and the Mineral Products Association (MPA), the Aggregates Carbon Reduction Portal includes a series of resources to guide businesses in how to become more energy efficient and lower their CO2 emissions.

The website includes a "journey navigator", which provides information on a five-step approach from raising energy awareness to energy management.

The navigator further tailors its guidance, giving specific advice for crushed rock quarries, sand and gravel quarries and asphalt plants.

The portal also includes tools and information providing organisations with guidance on how to assess and track energy consumption, as well as how to identify and implement effective efficiency projects.

Jerry McLaughlin, director of public affairs and economics at MPA, said “The website shows how all staff can take responsibility for making businesses more carbon and energy efficient, enabling a more comprehensive and sustained approach by the company as a whole on this issue.

“Energy costs are high and are set to increase in the long term. New regulatory measures will only make energy use and carbon emissions more expensive.

“In addition to direct cost benefits, demonstrable company action on carbon reduction is likely to be required increasingly by customers and clients and the new resources provide practical and proven means of taking action.”

The portal, which had been funded via the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, also includes case studies, videos and posters to help organisation engage staff.

For more information visit www.aggregatescarbonreduction.com