2007-11-05
One of the greatest benefits of conducting an assessment for a product’s environmental aspects is the opportunity to identify other spin-off environmental improvements and cost savings, says the British Approvals Service for Cables.
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| Jeremy Hodge |
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Raw material, energy and water use can be controlled and process scrap can be minimized, bringing immediate financial benefits, says Dr Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive of BASEC.
Dr Hodge said: “We have been urging cable manufacturers to consider the long term impact of their products. Installers also have a very real need to consider better ways of managing scrap cable, preferably at a local level. Local recycling schemes are already in place for other construction materials.
“For many years BASEC has required all manufacturers holding a product certification license to put in place some basic provisions of environmental protection, and health and safety.“
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Demand has grown for companies to specifically consider environmental issues. BASEC anticipated the need to verify and audit cable manufacturers’ green credentials, and this led to the introduction of the first BASEC Eco-Green Cable Certification Scheme in 2003.
The Eco-Green Cable Certification Scheme allows manufacturers to gather information and demonstrate that they have effective systems in place to verify the absence of the designated hazardous substances from their products to ensure they conform to legislation. It is a rigorous verification process managed by BASEC’s own teams of high skilled engineers and auditors.
Dr Hodge added: “As an industry, cable manufacturers and the broader electrical sector need to take note of the current climate and consider the green nature of the whole of the manufacturing process including the management of waste and scrap.
“Surprisingly, recycling cables isn’t difficult, although it is labour intensive. Copper is highly recyclable and it has a good scrap value. As a finite resource, we also have a very good incentive to re-use or recycle it.
“Although a lot of copper is recycled, it is currently difficult to place a percentage on what the proportion is at the present time. Plastics on the other hand are less recyclable, particularly when mixed. Although it is easily stripped away from the electrical conductors, this often leaves a waste product which is not as easy to use for other purposes.”
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By detailed examination of manufacturers’ production processes and controls and rigorous testing, BASEC ensures that cable products meet appropriate national, European and international standards.
The BASEC schemes are designed to assess an organisation's ability to produce goods and services consistently to specification and customer requirements, in a safe manner and with due regard to environmental needs.
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Related contacts
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British Approvals Service for Cables,
23 Presley Way,
Crownhill,
Milton Keynes,
MK8 0ES.
Tel: 01908 267300
Fax: 01908 267255 |
Email BASEC
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Source: BASEC |
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