Group
Sustainability
Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in construction and we are committed to maximising this contribution through our manufacturing processes and circular economy schemes.
CAB Closed Loop Recycling Scheme
Around 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today due to its ability to retain its original properties even through recycling processes. Denvalco are members of CAB's Closed Loop Recycling Scheme and proudly recycled 4.5 tonnes of aluminium in 2025.
The UKAS accredited Closed Loop Recycling Scheme was set up to increase the recycling of pre and post consumer aluminium back into window, door and curtain walling products. Any scrap or off cut aluminium we produce along with any windows, doors or curtain walling that we have ripped out of an existing building is recycled into aluminium billets. Our major system suppliers who are also members of the scheme then use these billets to extrude aluminium profile, creating a closed loop.
Why aluminium works for sustainability
The material itself has genuinely good sustainability credentials. These aren't marketing claims — they're properties of the metal.
100% Recyclable
Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. Around 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today, making it one of the most circular materials in construction.
Low Energy Recycling
Recycling aluminium uses just 5% of the energy needed to produce it from raw materials. This dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of every aluminium product we fabricate.
Long Lifespan
Aluminium facades, windows, and curtain walling systems last 40 years or more with minimal maintenance. This longevity means fewer replacements and less waste over the lifetime of a building.
Thermal Efficiency
Modern aluminium systems with thermal breaks deliver excellent insulation, helping buildings reduce heating and cooling energy. Our systems achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K.
What we actually do
The material properties are a good start. What we do with them in the factory and on site is where the real work is.
Waste Reduction & Recycling
Every aluminium offcut from our 26,000 sq ft Cardiff facility is collected and returned to the recycling chain. We sort waste, work with accredited waste partners, and track what's going where.
Responsible Sourcing
Kawneer, Reynaers, Aluk and Aluprof — our main systems suppliers — all hold environmental management certifications and publish data on the carbon intensity of their profiles. That matters when clients are targeting BREEAM or net-zero ratings.
Energy-Efficient Design
We work closely with architects and contractors during the design phase to ensure our systems maximise thermal performance. By specifying the right glazing, thermal breaks, and sealing systems, we help buildings meet and exceed current energy regulations.
Efficient Fabrication
Our CNC cutting and fabrication processes are designed to minimise material waste. We use advanced nesting software to optimise how aluminium profiles are cut, reducing offcuts and making the most of every length of material.
Reduced Transport Impact
Where possible, we consolidate deliveries and plan installation schedules to minimise vehicle movements to and from site. Our central Cardiff location gives us efficient access to projects across South Wales, the South West, and London.
Continuous Improvement
Our ISO 9001 quality management system includes regular reviews of our environmental practices. We set measurable targets for waste reduction, energy use, and recycling rates, and we report on our progress internally each quarter.
Our Sustainability Performance
Part L, BREEAM and what's coming next
The 2021 Part L changes tightened U-value requirements significantly, and more changes are coming. BREEAM Excellent is now a standard client ask on commercial developments, not an optional extra.
We work with specifiers early — before the design is fixed — to make sure the facade system actually achieves the thermal and airtightness targets, not just appears to. It's much easier to get the detailing right at Stage 2 than to fix it at Stage 4.
If a project is targeting a specific EPC rating or carbon reduction goal, talk to us before the spec is written.
Working to a BREEAM or net-zero target?
Get us involved early and we can make sure the facade spec supports your environmental goals, not just ticks a box.