Environmental issues regarding the use of copper guttering
Sustainability
Copper is one of the few metals that is fully sustainable. Although large quantities of copper are mined every year we are in no danger of running out, as to date only 12% of the current known reserves have ever been mined. Most mined copper is still in use and approximately 55% of copper used in Architecture comes from recycling.
Environmental Implications
Copper is a wholly natural material present in and essential to all plants, animals and humans. Unlike other metals such as lead, copper is non-toxic and does not accumulate in the body.
Embodied Energy/Carbon Dioxide Emissions
The Embodied Energy and Carbon Dioxide emmissions of copper are far superior to that of any other gutter material.
| |
Plastic |
Aluminium |
Cast Iron |
Copper |
| Embodied energy |
80 |
153 |
NA |
50 |
| CO2 |
2.5KG/Sq M |
8.49KG/Sq M |
NA |
3.85KG/Sq M |
|