A UK university has teamed up with industry to test and verify the performance of what is claimed to be a world-first low-carbon concrete technology.
Experts from Loughborough University are working in partnership with Sisk, Ecocem, Ramboll Group, Creagh Concrete, Capital Concrete, and the BRE Group. Together, they have secured a share of £500,000 in funding from Innovate UK to help develop the project.
Chris Goodier, professor of construction engineering and materials at the university’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, said: “Loughborough are proud to work with industry leaders and contribute to the world challenge in reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. We will provide independent testing and verification of the material as well as support in the delivery of a full scale building using the new and novel low carbon concrete.”
The aim is to reduce carbon emissions in concrete production by 70%. The innovative technology, called ACT, combines technical advancements with low-carbon materials to create what is claimed to be a stronger, more durable concrete. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.
The project team will conduct extensive testing and validation of ACT in laboratory settings, concrete production facilities, and real-world construction sites. The low-carbon demonstrator will be showcased at Wembley Park, a redevelopment project where Sisk has been working for over two decades.
Sarah-Jane Pisciotti, Sisk’s innovation and design director, said: “Carving a route to net zero through innovation is key to our sustainability strategy at Sisk, and we are delighted to get this ambitious demonstrator to decarbonise cement off the ground. We would like to thank Innovate UK for their guidance and generous support.
John Reddy, director of concrete technology deployment at Ecocem, added: “Since embodied CO2 in construction is 11% of all global emissions, and clinker, the critical ingredient in cement, generates 65% of these, finding ways to reduce emissions from cement and concrete is critical.
“We have assembled a great delivery team of experts under the leadership of Sisk and our consortium will demonstrate that rapid decarbonisation of the cement and concrete industry is possible now, using ACT Technology which brings new thinking to existing proven materials and processes.
“This funding from Innovate UK is a very welcome investment in delivering a low carbon future for construction and a great example of how governments can take the lead in scaling innovation and enabling decarbonisation.”
Read next: Versarien agrees graphene mortars deal with Balfour Beatty
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
