"It was easy to do business": How Circularity Came to Life at Bromley College

When Sealtite took on the window replacement at Bromley College, fabricator Rob Cherry wasn't expecting the project to become a showcase for circular construction. But thanks to a collaborative approach and support from TECHNAL, it did just that. We spoke to Rob about the practicalities of circularity, what worked, and why this project sets a standard for others to follow.

Can you tell us a little bit about the project?

We were replacing four floors of windows at Bromley College. The old ones were aluminium with a small thermal break, so they performed poorly - too hot in summer, not energy-efficient enough in the winter. We used the TECHNAL SOLEAL Next window, added insulated panels to reduce glazing, and incorporated high-performance solar control glass. The result was a U-value of 1.3 W/m²K, which met the project’s thermal requirements.

What made this a circular project?

The circular part was instigated by us at Sealtite. The client and contractor didn't know it was even possible. Once we explained the process and carbon saving potential, everyone agreed we should do it.

We removed the old windows and sorted the materials into separate skips. TECHNAL organised the aluminium to be transported to the Hydro Group shredding and recycling facilities just 30 miles away. That aluminium was remelted into Hydro CIRCAL® billet, which was then extruded into new aluminium windows, doors, and facades. The scrap stayed within the UK.

How did the client respond?

They had no idea that circularity could be an option for them. But once we explained it, they were pleased to get involved. There were no objections, no pushbacks. It was easy to do business. Sometimes contractors can be a bit wary - there's money attached to scrap aluminium - but in this case, everyone understood the value of recycling it properly.

Did circularity change how you approached the fabrication process?

Not really. Using Hydro CIRCAL® in TECHNAL low-carbon aluminium building systems doesn't change how we fabricate. It's the same as using primary aluminium. The key difference is the carbon footprint, which drops dramatically.

Was there any extra work involved in removing and sorting materials?

The only real consideration was making sure the skips were loaded correctly - keeping aluminium and glass separately. But that's something we'd do anyway. Working with APC Building Services made it straightforward. They understood what was needed and were happy to support the process. It didn't add extra labour or delay the project.

What role did TECHNAL play?

TECHNAL offered full support and took care of the logistics. Their TechDesign software made it easy for us to generate project-specific EPD's, which were meaningful for the client and helped to demonstrate the impact of the work. Everything felt streamlined.

How did your supply chain support the process?

Everyone worked together efficiently, and there was a shared willingness to recycle the scrap with TECHNAL and Saint-Gobain recycling the aluminium and glass, respectively. Euroview supplied the glazing units for the new windows, and everyone was open to working together. That made it easier. When people and companies are open to the process, it really smooths things out.

From your perspective, how is circularity changing the role of fabricators in construction?

It's making a huge change. Fabricators need to take it seriously. Aluminium is endlessly recyclable, and when you think about the tonnes we install each year - it's good to know it doesn't go to waste at the end of its lifecycle. It can be reprocessed and used again, without mining or harmful manufacturing.

Any advice for other fabricators considering a circular project?

Get TECHNAL involved early. If they know what you're aiming for, they can help make it happen. The tools and the support are there. You just have to use them.

Are you interested in closing the loop with TECHNAL? Contact us to learn more.