1. Sustainable ACO

2. The leaf
represents the significance of ACO’s connection to the natural world;
the custodial role of managing surface water and returning it to the
ground is essential for a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
The tick
is a simple means of verifying sustainability credentials have been met
for the product and the processes employed in its manufacture, or to
verify the product has a particular sustainability function within water
management.

3. In the annual cycle, the leaf develops every spring, provides energy for
growth, plays a key role in the water cycle through transpiration whilst
also making a valuable contribution to the ecosystem before returning
to the earth in the autumn to nourish the soil for the following year.
This process generates no waste and symbolises the company’s
long-term sustainable aspirations, which it hopes to achieve by
continually measuring, improving and evolving the processes
[sustainable business] integral to delivering product designed for
sustainable management of water [sustainable drainage].

4. Sustainable drainage
ACO has unrivalled experience in design support in the creation of
integrated and sustainable surface water management network.
Whatever your requirements, we can help you deliver an effective
SuDS solution and support you with best practice, relevant information
and dedicated resources on an ongoing basis.

5. Sustainable Business
Sustainability is the single most important issue that the construction
industry will face over years to come.
ACO have developed a programme of continual improvement which
seeks to ensure that, where practicable, all products manufactured are
made from sustainable materials – recycled and recyclable.
ACO’s research and development programme aims to maximise use of
sustainable material but, importantly, also strives to improve
manufacturing and administrative processes that impact our
environment.
ACO products themselves are designed to assist in delivering
sustainable water management.

6. Standards
• ACO adheres to PAS 99, an Integrated Management System.
• ACO Technologies plc has been certificated and registered by BSI to
operate Environmental Management, Quality and Occupational Health
& Safety Management Systems that comply with the requirements of
ISO 14001:2004, ISO 9001:2008 and OHSAS 18001:2007
respectively

7. Materials
ACO VIENITE™ is a Polymer Concrete that has been
developed by ACO. It is manufactured using post-
consumer waste. It is 100% recyclable.
Metallic or polymeric items procured by ACO Technologies
are required to have maximum possible recycled content.
For thermoplastic and cast iron components the target
recycled content is 100%, whilst the specialist stainless
steel used in ACO Building Drainage products is typically
delivered with 70% recycled content.
The company has a programme for management of
residues, ensuing that all packaging, palleting and office
residues are segregated and managed in an ecologically
sustainable manner.

8. Power and Fuel
ACO has a growing environmental awareness of the need to reduce its
carbon footprint. To this end ACO has installed large heat energy
reclamation units in its factory, energy that is used within the
organisation.
ACO has an ongoing programme considering the purchase of fuel and
heating oils and electricity originating in full or in part from renewable
sources. The purchase of power-efficient IT equipment and the
application of the IT industry best practice to minimise power
consumption continues.
Packaging & Pallets
ACO Technologies plc recognises the need to manage and reduce
packaging waste to a minimum and uses recycled and re-useable
packaging wherever appropriate.
ACO is fully committed to implementing the ongoing improvements
required by the Packaging and Waste Regulations of 2007 and is a
member of a registered compliance scheme.

9. Transport
Transport of products is often a major element of an
organisation’s business. ACO’s major transport partners
are “very aware” of their responsibilities to improve and
control operating efficiencies. All their drivers are regularly
trained and coached to drive in a way that will conserve
fuel. Following trials they are still actively considering the
use of bio fuels and have been using efficient trunking
between hubs and depots for many years.
Sustainable Office Practices
ACO now produces 100% of all marketing literature printed
on material certificated in accordance with the rules of the
FSC® who provide a means of assuring that products
come from responsibly managed forest.
All office stationery is sourced from a supplier committed to
eco-friendly products. Residues of office stationery,
cardboard and plastics – including plastic and paper
drinks’ cups – are segregated for recycling by specialist
processors.