A major part of the UK construction business, involving thousands of contractors, manufacturers and distributors, has made environmental history – establishing a world first that could set the pattern for all British industry.

Following more than a year to launch and research, Mastic Asphalt, a material used to waterproof the majority of the nation’s most prestigious buildings and commercial developments, has achieved the CarbonZero standard. The standard covers the product from manufacture through to installation. This marks the first time that an entire industry, anywhere in the world, has joined together to tackle climate change.

Every stage of the process has achieved CarbonZero, helping to offset hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year – a move further calculated to help reach Government emissions targets. The Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC), representing the UK’s leading contractors and manufacturers, unveiled its radical Carbon 100 initiative in front of invited guests at the Barbican Centre on January 18 2008. This included MP's, local authorities, architects and specialist leading contractors. Each member of the group, totalling 100 organisations, has now achieved CarbonZero status.

The initiative, which involves placing a small levy on the cost of the materials, ensures that even non-MAC members are covered. The Industry has effectively taxed itself in order to aid the environment. Totally recyclable, Mastic Asphalt is already one of the most effective and long lasting waterproofing solutions available. It continues to be used on major Government and local authority buildings, as well as high profile projects such as Bluewater, Kent (seen above), The Trafford Centre, Buckingham Palace and many more.

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