Clay is the central raw material used to manufacture our roof tiles. At Jacobi, our aim is to use resources responsibly throughout our operations. Our approach includes the recultivation of our clay pits and efforts to keep transport distances for raw materials as short as practicable. Clay has been used as a building material for thousands of years.
Sustainability & quality
Roof tiles made from a natural raw material
From clay to roof tile
Regional clay extraction
We extract clay regionally and operate our own clay pits at our production sites in Bilshausen and Langenzenn. As clay is the principal raw material for our roof tiles, its responsible use is important to us. Measures include the recultivation of our clay pits and efforts to keep transport distances short. Our roof tiles are manufactured in Germany.
Efficient production processes
Solar installations at our Bilshausen and Langenzenn sites generate electricity for our operations. We also continuously review our production processes and machinery with the aim of improving operational and energy efficiency and extending the useful life of production equipment.
Designed for long-term use
Choosing a roof covering is a long-term decision. Our roof tiles are designed to withstand exposure to weather and to retain their appearance over time. In addition to their functional role as a roof covering, the choice of tile model and colour contributes significantly to the architectural appearance of a building.
Recycling after use
Fired clay from roof tiles can be processed for further use after removal, subject to appropriate collection, separation and local recycling options. Possible applications for processed fired clay include materials for sports surfaces and substrates used in landscaping and green-roof applications.Monitoring of all production stages
Quality assurance
Clay is a natural raw material, and its composition can vary. We therefore monitor individual stages of our production process so that variations in raw materials and production parameters can be identified and addressed.
Quality control supports consistent product characteristics and can also help avoid unnecessary use of energy and materials. Early identification of deviations in raw materials, machinery or processes enables corrective action to be taken during production.
Quality control of the surface color
Quality control of strength, the so-called breaking test
Optimal use of energy
Energy management
One of our operational objectives is to use energy responsibly and to regularly review our production processes for opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Plant management, material testing teams and kiln specialists work together to achieve this while maintaining the required quality of our roof tiles and accessories.
Our energy management system has been certified according to ISO 50001 since 2012. ISO 50001 provides a framework for organizations to systematically manage and improve their energy performance.
Energy and environmental measures at Jacobi
Our ISO 50001-certified energy management system provides a framework for monitoring energy use and identifying opportunities for improvement. Measures implemented over the years include adjustments to production processes and investments intended to improve energy efficiency.
Energy-related data and developments are documented as part of our energy management and certification processes.
In 2016, we took an additional step towards generating electricity on site by commissioning a gas-fired combined heat and power plant (CHP). The plant generates electricity while allowing waste heat to be used for purposes including heating office buildings at the Bilshausen site.
We also maintain an exchange with regional stakeholders, including the district of Göttingen, and assess potential developments in energy supply and generation in the context of our operations.
Building blocks in daily activities
A matter of course for us
Small things – big impact. Environmentally conscious action starts with the small everyday things, has already changed our processes significantly in recent decades and will continue to do so in the future.
Environmentally conscious recycling & disposal
The unbreakable transportation of our bricks and their accessories is important and essential. Residual materials and waste are recycled wherever possible. For example, transport packaging (films, bundling tapes) is taken back, recycled or disposed of properly.
Saving resources and using them sustainably
At Jacobi Tonwerke, we use gas as a fossil fuel in a very considered and environmentally conscious manner. Firing processes are strictly monitored, production times and processes are carefully considered and planned for the long term; always with the aim of keeping absolute energy consumption as low as possible. The waste heat from our kilns is also used for the drying process of our bricks, for heating and for hot water preparation.
Habitats in and around our clay pits
Our clay pits provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. Together with the relevant nature conservation authorities, we carry out recultivation measures in areas where extraction has ended. These measures can include planting trees and shrubs and creating small ponds and other habitat structures. Their purpose is to support the ecological development of former extraction areas.
Development of production processes and products
We work with research partners to investigate ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with production processes and to further develop the properties of our products.Our commitment
Working towards lower greenhouse gas emissions
We support efforts within the brick and tile industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the sector’s long-term transformation.
Our Managing Director Dominic Jung contributed to the development of the “Roadmap for a Greenhouse Gas-Neutral Brick and Tile Industry in Germany”, prepared by FutureCamp on behalf of the Federal Association of the German Brick and Tile Industry.
