Copper and copper alloys meet the challenges of modern life in many ways. Commonly seen in plumbing systems and often in roofing and cladding on prestigious public buildings, they are frequently unseen, providing essential services inside equipment in houses, offices, commercial and industrial buildings. They are amongst the most necessary materials to provide the means to keep homes, commerce and industry running.

Copper possesses the highest conductivity of any of the commercial metals. That is why it is used to provide energy-efficient and safe distribution of electricity in all commercial and domestic buildings and much of the national distribution system delivering power to those buildings and also in railway electrification.

Copper is the usual choice for domestic plumbing because it is hygienic, reliable, durable and easy to install. The surface lustre and warm colour of copper and copper alloys mean they find widespread use in architecture, sculpture, jewellery, household ornaments and fittings. Copper and copper alloys are tailored to meet almost any need in engineering, from high-tech, modern, miniaturised components to the needs of heavy industry, because of their strength, ductility, high and low temperature properties, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and recyclability.

More information can be found on the Copper Development websites at www.cda.org.uk and www.brass.org