From Creosote to Composite: Life Cycle Assessment of a Next-Generation Utility Pole

Note: This project was undertaken when Below280 was part of Decerna

General

Pollywood Ltd, a UK based innovative SME had been in the process of developing a composite replacement for tanalised/creosote. This new composite material is to be used in utility poles. Using ISO 14040/44 standards, Below280, as Decerna, conducted a Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of the new composite material against the industry standard.

Outline & objectives

Below280 built a composite utility pole model in openLCA using data obtained from Pollywood Ltd. The team then built a second model of an industry standard utility pole. Our grid connection team gathered the information for this baseline model. This model would serve as the base line and would grant the ability to make comparisons.

The goal of the project was to understand the environmental impacts of both systems and to make comparisons between the models.

The objectives of the project were to analyses both models to make comparisons between them using 18 mid-point impact categories (ReCiPe Hierarchist Mid Points), to identify hot spots within Pollywood’s composite material in order to propose mitigations to offset these impacts.

Outcomes

The LCA modelling confirmed that for all impact categories, Pollywood’s new composite pole had a smaller environmental impact than that of the industry standard poles. Using the information provided, Below280 made informed alterations to the product to further confirm its position as an ecological and technical leader in the current market.

Client testimonial

Quentin Copp, Chairman of Pollywood Ltd

Our Development Director, Richard Brough found the support that we received very valuable. The LCA modelling has been included in our submission to the Distribution Network Operators to support our application for funds to develop the product through to BAU. We have no doubt that this application was strengthened by your work and your reputation. The [Below280] support has also contributed to Sustainability Today making Pollywood Ltd the Construction Material Company of the Year.

Further information

The eGrid project, managed by ORE Catapult and funded through the European Regional Development Fund, funded this work.