BLOG | The Importance of Sustainability in Masonry Support Manufacturing

 

On our journey to a more sustainable built environment, building product manufacturers must look at both the now and the future role they play. Specifiers need to think about the materials used in buildings and their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. From manufacturing processes to material specification, these choices matter. At IG Masonry Support, this challenge has become a driving force in how our company operates and why it is committed to improving efficiencies and driving product innovation which will enable the design and construction of more sustainable buildings.

Our sustainability journey began in 2020 with the goal of delivering our B.O.S.S A1 (Brick on Soffit System) as a Carbon Natural solution. Soon after, we assessed our entire company footprint. Today, it’s not just expected but it’s more important than ever to measure the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes, materials, and supply chain. What started as a series of small operational improvements quickly evolved into a long-term strategy that has reshaped our thinking across all departments.

Our leadership team and employees are fully aware of the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. That’s why we made a collective decision to commit to annual Carbon Footprint reporting and to respond proactively to our findings. In 2021, IG Masonry Support became the first masonry support manufacturer in the UK to achieve Carbon Neutral status. While we recognise that credible carbon credit schemes are not a long-term solution for achieving Net Zero, we are seeing a year-on-year reduction in the emissions we need to offset. For us, this marks significant progress. We’re proud to continue investing in responsible initiatives, including renewable energy technologies, while working to reduce our operational impact.

Reducing our carbon footprint doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sustained commitment, targeted investment, and strategic upgrades, all intentionally aimed at lowering emissions. This has included significant improvements at our manufacturing sites in Swadlincote and Cookstown, such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy tariffs, adopting electric-powered equipment, and enhancing our manufacturing technologies. We’ve replaced diesel forklifts with electric alternatives, expanded our recycling facilities, and ensured that zero waste is sent to landfill, a critical benchmark in sustainable manufacturing.

B.O.S.S A1

One of the defining moments in our sustainability journey was the development of B.O.S.S. A1. Our Brick on Soffit System not only meets but exceeds the latest A1 fire regulations. Designed to deliver superior aesthetics and structural integrity, B.O.S.S. A1 gives the appearance of unsupported brickwork while significantly simplifying installation.

What makes this product truly stand out is its environmental profile. It became the first carbon neutral product of its kind on the market, combining functionality, compliance, and sustainability. Achieving this milestone gave us the confidence and motivation to take our ambitions even further.

The certification of B.O.S.S. A1 was just the beginning. It demonstrated that sustainability can be designed into a product from the outset and that environmental performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of structural or aesthetic quality.

Science Based Targets

To ensure that our sustainability strategy was both robust and achievable, we engaged with Carbon Footprint Ltd. With their guidance we have developed measurable targets to align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology, a globally recognised framework that helps companies set and achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Through this framework, we identified and analysed our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, giving us a comprehensive understanding of our carbon footprint. This transparency allowed us to identify immediate actions in areas like energy use and transport, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration with suppliers and partners to drive reductions across the supply chain. We are now on track to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, joining thousands of companies worldwide in tackling climate change.

None of what we have achieved would be possible without the dedication of our entire team. Sustainability is embedded within the culture at IG Masonry Support. From design to production, every individual plays a role in driving our environmental progress. Backed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BBA certifications, our commitment to excellence is clear.

Looking ahead, our goal is to continue leading the way in sustainable product manufacturing and bringing innovative, responsible solutions to market.

GUEST BLOG | Building Safety Act: Why Competence, Testing and Trust Are Non-Negotiable

An interview with Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

As the construction industry continues its journey towards safer, more accountable practices, the message from regulatory bodies and professional institutes is increasingly clear: compliance alone is no longer enough.

In a recent conversation with IG Masonry Support, Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), shared his perspective on how the industry must evolve to meet the expectations of the Building Safety Act — and why this shift demands a fundamental rethinking of how we define and demonstrate competence.

CABE, a global professional engineering body, is championing a culture of lifelong learning and accountability. With the introduction of frameworks like BS 8670-1 and 8670-2, there’s now a sharper focus on the specific skills and understanding required to correctly specify, install, and manage construction products — from brick support systems to full envelope solutions.

Richard also highlights the critical importance of manufacturers in this process. By providing independently tested and clearly documented solutions, manufacturers help close the trust gap and enable designers, specifiers, and contractors to make confident, compliant decisions.

At IG Masonry Support, we’re proud to play our part. From our TITAN and B.O.S.S. products to our technical support and CPD offerings, we help ensure that performance, testing, and compliance are not afterthoughts — but core to specification decisions from the outset. We’re proud to be part of a safer, more competent built environment.

Watch the full interview with Richard Harral to explore how safety, trust, and responsibility are reshaping the future of construction.

NEWS | CCPI Assessed Mark Achieved for Folded Angle

IG Masonry Support has earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Folded Angle product.

The CCPI, developed by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to raise standards in product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing sector.

Achieving CCPI conformance enhances customer trust and helps to give greater confidence that product information is conforming with the CCPI. This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance information and supporting some of their needs in relation to compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Folded Angle product information is valid for two years, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

Securing the CCPI Assessed Mark for all of our masonry support solutions reaffirms our commitment to providing reliable, transparent, and assessed product information to the industry, said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “This recognition reflects our ongoing drive to empower specifiers with trusted data and reinforces our role in pushing the boundaries of best practice across construction. It’s more than an achievement—it’s a long-term pledge to integrity and innovation. We are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI Assessed Mark for the product information for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Folded Angle adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our company’s compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

BLOG | A safer future: unravelling the Golden Thread

In 2018, Dame Judith Hackett championed the concept of the ‘Golden Thread’ of information to preserve a building’s original design intent as part of her review: Building a Safer Future. Now enshrined in the Building Safety Act, this Golden Thread of information is about transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. With product information having gained increased significance, Kyle Alexander, Project and Engineering Manager of IG Masonry Support explores the implications for masonry support solutions and how this concept applies to various stages of construction, from initial design and product specification to construction methods and regulatory compliance.

The Building Safety Act has far-reaching implications across all stages and elements of a project. It covers design, product specification, construction methods, regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, quality control and safety measures.  As part of this is a crucial new compliance element: the “Golden Thread” which was devised as a way of ensuring that anyone involved on a project has the right information, or ‘single source of truth’, in order to understand the building and the steps needed to keep both the building and the occupants safe both now and in the future.

Specific to a building, the Golden Thread will hold the information that those responsible and accountable for the building require, and prove that the completed building and later work meets the requirements of the relevant Building Regulations. Having the Golden Thread means that the people responsible for the building and other relevant parties such as contractors will have reliable, accurate and easily accessible up to date information.

By bringing all the information together in one place, this core record-keeping process tracks a building’s design, construction, and operation. It requires managing, documenting, and making information about the building accessible to ensure understanding and safety. This information management ensures accuracy, currency, security, clarity, and availability to those who need it.  This will help drive improved accountability.

 

Commitment to the Golden Thread

With growing scrutiny on product information, manufacturers like IG Masonry Support are increasingly focused on helping stakeholders maintain a reliable and accessible Golden Thread of information. Duty holders, including consultants and contractors, need reliable information about the products they specify and install.

To help those accountable deliver the Golden Thread of information, IG Masonry Support has implemented a multi-faceted approach to meet and exceed the Golden Thread expectations. The company maintains rigorous ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems accreditation through continual assessment of the company’s internal information management system to ensure its robustness.

It also provides comprehensive product information which includes detailed specifications, performance and accreditation data, installation instructions, and maintenance guidelines – all of which are easily accessible on its website and specification platforms. This information is currently under review by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).

Furthermore, the manufacturer meticulously maintains accurate records and documentation, systematically preserving precise technical data, comprehensive certifications, and detailed test reports to support duty holders in establishing and maintaining essential product information throughout a building’s lifecycle.

The company also provides extensive training and educational resources, offering in-depth guidance to specifiers and contractors on the comprehensive installation, appropriate use, and ongoing maintenance of its products. Its robust technical support includes assisting contractors and helping them navigate complex compliance requirements, selecting the right products and integrating them into projects, interpreting intricate technical data, and providing responsive support for any queries or challenges encountered during the construction process.

 

Culture change

The Golden Thread is about having the right information to ensure safer buildings and more accountable construction practices. By creating a seamless flow of information from design through to construction and operation, it ensures that all stakeholders—from architects to contractors—have access to accurate, up-to-date data that is critical for maintaining safety and compliance.

As the Building Safety Act continues to shape industry standards, product manufacturers such as IG Masonry Support will play a crucial role in supporting this shift. Through its commitment to rigorous information management practices, transparency, and ongoing product support and education, it is helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of building safety and regulatory compliance.

NEWS | CCPI Mark achieved for Welded Masonry Support

IG Masonry Support is delighted to have earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Welded Masonry Support product.

The CCPI, initiated by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to improve product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing and supply sector. The CCPI is working to move the industry to a place where product information and marketing is clear, accessible, accurate, up-to-date and unambiguous.

Achieving CCPI conformance provides greater confidence for customers using the product information carrying the CCPI Assessed Status mark.  This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance guarantees and compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Welded Masonry Support is valid for two years, demonstrating IG Masonry Support’s commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

“Achieving the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Welded Masonry Support underscores IG Masonry Support’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accuracy in product information,” said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “We’re proud to demonstrate our dedication to clear, accessible, and up-to-date information, giving specifiers and buyers the confidence they deserve. This two-year assessed status is not just a milestone, but a continuous commitment to raising industry standards and driving positive change.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this process, and we are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI mark for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Welded Masonry Support adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Find out more about our Welded Masonry Support (WMS) product.

NEWS | ‘Sleep Like A Baby’ campaign launches to champion Building Safety Act compliance

IG Masonry Support is proud to launch our innovative ‘Sleep Like a Baby’ campaign to highlight our company’s unwavering commitment to Building Safety Act compliance, in-house manufacturing excellence and high-quality, accredited products.

Aimed at architects, specifiers and contractors, the campaign showcases our comprehensive approach to quality assurance and safety, backed by numerous industry accreditations and certifications. Operating from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Derbyshire, our company maintains complete control over production quality through in-house manufacturing processes and rigorous testing protocols.

In a new era of accountability, the campaign cements our reputation and commitment to supporting stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and specification through to completion. By maintaining strict control over the manufacturing process and investing in extensive testing and certification, we ensure our masonry support and brick slip products not only meet but exceed current building regulations and safety standards.

Key features that set us apart include:

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Andy Neal, Managing Director of IG Masonry Support, said: “The Building Safety Act has raised the bar for construction product manufacturers, and rightly so. It is critical that building products are specified for their purpose and manufactured to perform exactly as intended.  Our ‘Sleep Like a Baby’ campaign reflects our absolute confidence in the quality and safety of our products. When specifiers and contractors choose IG Masonry Support, they’re choosing peace of mind.”

The launch of this campaign reinforces IG Masonry Support’s position as a trusted partner in the construction industry, providing architects, engineers, and contractors with the confidence they need to specify and install products that consistently deliver on safety, quality, and performance.

For more information about our commitment to building safety and to learn more about our certified product range, visit our Sleep Like A Baby campaign landing page.