Environmental Policy

At Architectural Bronze we take our environmental credentials seriously and show our commitment by having a responsible approach to the production of our products, enabling our customers to make a socially and environmentally responsible purchasing choice.

Efficient use of our space and manufacturing procedures results in minimal waste. We purchase the very best materials available and therefore will not allow any element of un-necessary waste and use the latest CNC optimising equipment to get the very most out of all our bronze and timber.

All operations from the design, through to going out to site are carried out under one roof and we are therefore not reliant on travelling for internal design and production meetings and excessive transportation of goods and materials.

In a nutshell, we recognise the need for sustainable development and continually aim to improve the environmental effect of our activities.

Bronze

Bronze has been used in construction for centuries and there are many beautiful buildings in existence displaying their original windows and doors, a clear indication to the sustainability of this wonderful material.

Bronze does not require galvanising, or powder coating, needs little maintenance and is fully recyclable. Its long history combined with durability and low maintenance, means that choosing bronze is a clear investment into the future of your building.

Our company recycling policy is to utilise and reuse all bronze waste produced in the manufacturing process, returning all offcuts to the extruders for recycling or for use in our castings.

All glass offcuts and breakages return to a glass company for recycling. Cardboard is sent for recycling for regeneration of packaging. Paper waste is shredded and collected for recycling.

Timber

All of our frames are constructed from timber purchased from well managed sustainable forests, therefore aiding the preservation of the world’s timber supplies.

Responsible, well managed forests are where environmental, social and economic aspects are taken into consideration in forest practices. Forest certification is a control mechanism through which these specific characteristics of forest management operation are attested to. This allows the consumer to identify among the products available in the marketplace those produced in accordance with specified standards.

Since 2005, sister company Vale Garden Houses has held Chain of Custody Certifications through SGS for manufacturing from timber through the FSC® (Forestry Stewardship Council®) and PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™) schemes. The FSC and PEFC councils are independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisations

Vale are also members of TIMBER DEVELOPMENT UK, formed from the merger of TRADA and the Timber Trade Federation. All members are required to adhere to the high business and environmental standards contained in their code of conduct.

Health & Safety

Architectural Bronze has won an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in recognition of its commitment to keeping its workers and workplaces healthy and safe. The International Safety Awards seek to celebrate and promote the success of the winning organisations and their employees in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all. We are constantly striving to improve Health and Safety, not only in our factory but also on site when we are installing our products.

In 1997 a group of Health & Safety and procurement professionals worked with the Association of London Government to develop CHAS. The two main objectives for CHAS were to improve health and safety standards across Great Britain and to reduce duplicated safety applications for both suppliers and buyers. Architectural Bronze obtained CHAS accreditation almost 10 years ago and this allows uninterrupted transparency in larger project pre-qualification process. This achievement is testament to the competency of the Health and Safety policy and procedures within the organisation.

Further Certification

Architectural Bronze have been members of Constructionline for almost 10 years. Constructionline was established in 1998 by the UK government to provide a single point of reference and register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants. It provides procurement and supply chain management services, helping buyers source suppliers.

More recently, we became members of MADE IN BRITAIN, a not-for-profit organisation which supports British manufacturers with the licenced official marks. They work collaboratively with UK trade bodies and relevant UK

Recycling

As part of our environmental credentials, we are conscientious regarding good management of our waste products and recycling, investing heavily in this area. The following applies to all areas of manufacturing and not just Architectural Bronze Casements.

All waste timber produced from our processes is put to good use. Sawdust and wood shavings are collected, recycled and used as animal bedding. Timber offcuts are stored throughout the year and are incinerated through the winter for heating the factory.