Concrete Carbon Emission Reduction

Concrete Recipe to Slash Carbon Emissions

One of the most significant changes to the traditional recipe for concrete in more than 40 years is set to be introduced throughout the UK, which aims to help architects and engineers reduce the carbon emissions produced within the construction industry.

Concrete Carbon Emissions Reduction

It is estimated that the changes could save over 1,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, which is the equivalent to more than 3,500 transatlantic flights.

Concrete Recipe Changes

To achieve such a reduction in carbon emissions the new mixture will be produced from a number of materials, including finely ground limestone, fly ash (a by-product from power generation) and granulated blast furnace slag (a by-product from the steel industry).

The decision to update and improve the concrete production process is a step that industries are keen to take as currently the industry accounts for 1.5% of the UK’s total carbon emission output.

The majority of the carbon emissions are associated with cement production and the CEM 1 content found in concrete can be replaced with up to 20% limestone powder, which is readily available throughout the UK. According to a study, for every 5% of limestone powder that is added to the mix, a 5% reduction in carbon dioxide can be achieved per tonne of concrete.

Net Zero Concrete

The new concrete mixture is just one of many important steps that the industry is taking to adhere to the overall objective of net zero concrete production. As a whole, progress has been, and continues to be made with the concrete and cement industry having already delivered a reduction in carbon emissions of 53% since 1990.

Concrete Industry Leaders

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