Duraproducts - Experts & Thought Leaders

Duraproducts, a globally renowned provider of innovative, sustainable construction solutions, has been chosen by ABM Contractors to supply its pioneering Durakerb HB2 range of recycled kerbing units, for the refurbishment of the company’s headquarters car park in Swords, Co Dublin, Ireland. Established in 1994, ABM Contractors is a well-respected contractor with a reputation for delivering high-quality building solutions across Ireland. Following a period of growth, it became clear that an upgrade of its car park was necessary to meet the demands of its expanding business. Environmental and safety benefits The refurbishment project utilized over 150 linear meters of Durakerb HB2 units The refurbishment project utilized over 150 linear meters of Durakerb HB2 units. This innovative kerbing alternative consists of 88% recycled polymer, offering both traditional functionality and significant environmental and safety benefits. By eliminating the need for pouring and cutting traditional kerbing stones, Durakerb reduces manual handling and exposure to hazardous silica dust. Its lightweight design and efficient installation process also remove the requirement for heavy machinery, promoting a more sustainable construction approach. Duraproducts' commitment Furthermore, Durakerb's declared Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) highlight a nearly 50% embodied carbon reduction compared to traditional precast concrete products for kerbing projects. This demonstrates Duraproducts' commitment to providing environmentally friendly solutions for the construction industry. By choosing Durakerb for its car park refurbishment, ABM Contractors has not only improved the functionality and longevity of its employee facility, but also made a significant contribution to environmental sustainability throughout the installation process. Water management system ABM Contractors installed a hybrid of Durakerb and Duradrain units at Midleton College in Country Cork, Ireland In 2017, ABM Contractors installed a combination of Durakerb and Duradrain units at Midleton College in Country Cork, Ireland, delivering a complete recycled and recyclable surface water management system for the surrounding hard landscapes and infrastructure. Philip Weinmann, General Manager at ABM Contractors, said, "At ABM we seek smart solutions at all points of the construction process. For our site refurbishment we wanted to exploit our knowledge of products that are efficient, technologically advanced and sustainable." Durakerb for ABM Contractors Philip Weinmann adds: "We had previously used Durakerb on a school construction project and were impressed with the health and safety benefits coupled with the environmental credentials it offers. We were, therefore, delighted to showcase its performance and demonstrate that it reduces the impact on the environment at our company headquarters." Andy Leah, General Manager at Duraproducts, said, "Construction companies need to lead by example when it comes to projects for their own businesses. We’re delighted to have supplied Durakerb for ABM Contractors' recent car park refurbishment; it really is a true example of the company’s dedication to sustainability. This project is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and safe products for the construction industry."

Green construction innovator, Duraproducts, has announced the appointment of a new General Manager to drive the company’s ambitious growth plans over the next five years. Andy Leah, previously the company’s Technical Manager, took on the role on 1 June 2024. Andy Leah Andy studied mechanical engineering and has undertaken senior technical roles at Marshalls PLC and ACO, making him a natural fit to take Dura products into the next phase of growth, as Founder Phil Sutton explains, "Andy has been with the company for the past four years and during this time has proven himself to be an extremely talented Technical Manager." He adds, "His product knowledge is unrivaled and his business acumen is invaluable. When we decided, from a strategic point of view, that we needed a new general manager to take the business forward, he was the natural choice for the role." Phil Sutton's comments Phil Sutton continues, "With some exciting legislative developments in the pipeline, we have ambitious growth plans for Dura products, particularly relating to our flagship kerbstone, Durakerb." He further stated, "Widely respected within the industry, Andy is not only hardworking but also incredibly loyal with unparalleled company and product knowledge. We are looking forward to seeing Duraproducts thrive under his leadership." sustainable principles Andy Leah stated, "I am delighted to have been promoted to the role of General Manager at Dura products. The business is entering an exciting new period of development over the next five years and I am proud that, together with the rest of the team, I can lead it into the next stage." He adds, "I have spent the past four years learning about and understanding the business and its products and I can truly say I am fully invested in helping it grow. Everything about Dura products – from its founding ethos to the products it manufactures – is based on sustainable principles and this is incredibly important to me. The fact that the way we do business is about helping rather than hindering the planet is crucial for success and I am proud that I can play a part in it." sustainable construction solutions Founded in 2003, Duraproducts is a pioneering force in sustainable construction solutions. Over the past two decades, the company has navigated changing industry landscapes, evolving demands, and emerging trends to become a beacon of sustainability and innovation. Its pioneering range of recycled plastic kerbing, drainage, and combined products has evolved significantly during this time, with Durakerb witnessing steadily increasing demand in recent years.

It is fantastic to read about the recent first-of-its-kind international alliance between green building organizations from the UK, US, and Australia who have come together to unlock finance for sustainable buildings. This partnership, instigated by global leaders from The Building Research Establishment (BRE), the US Green Building Council, and the Green Building Council of Australia is a powerful step towards standardizing sustainable building practices and securing the finance to widen adoption around the world. sustainable construction Interestingly, over 640,000 buildings globally are already certified under the standards, which demonstrates the growing demand for sustainable construction. The financial guidance outlined will be instrumental in bridging the gap between environmental responsibility and real-world implementation. Tools, such as green loans and scaling recommendations will allow developers to get a return on investment both financially and ecologically. UKGBC’s guidance on measuring carbon emissions The UKGBC’s guidance on measuring carbon emissions is another critical piece of the puzzle The UKGBC’s guidance on measuring carbon emissions is another critical piece of the puzzle. Duraproducts has been in the green game for over 20 years now and they, like them, see a large, overlooked area- building materials and construction processes. It has taken Duraproducts two decades to get recognition for recycled materials in Series 1100 – Kerbs, Footways, Cycleways, and Paved Areas (Clause 1118 – Polymeric Kerbs, Islands, and Lane Separators) within the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works 2021 (MCHW). Minimizing environmental footprint Creating transparency for project and product carbon emissions will allow stakeholders to make informed decisions about minimizing their environmental footprint from cradle to grave, while being aligned to industry standards required by contractors and local authorities. This is a true cause for celebration in the industry. Collaboration, standardization, and derived measurement tools will help close the loop of a circular economy for the construction industry. It truly is a future the industry should get behind.