In a groundbreaking growth for sustainable construction, a consortium of industry leaders and academic experts has secured significant funding to pioneer a revolutionary low-carbon concrete technology. This initiative marks a notable step towards reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s most widely used building materials.
The consortium, led by construction company Sisk, includes Ecocem, Ramboll, Loughborough University, Creagh Concrete, Capital Concrete, and BRE Group. Together, they have been awarded £500,000 from Innovate UK as part of the “Contracts for Innovation: Decarbonising Concrete” competition[1][4]. This funding will support the development and testing of a new low-carbon cement technology called ACT, which promises to revolutionize the construction industry’s approach to sustainability.
ACT, developed by Ecocem, is a breakthrough cement technology that combines a range of technical innovations with the use of widely available low-carbon materials. This innovative approach aims to decarbonize cement production by as much as 70% while simultaneously enhancing the strength and durability of the concrete it produces[1]. The technology’s potential to considerably reduce carbon emissions without compromising on performance makes it a game-changer in the construction sector.
The construction industry has long been grappling with the environmental impact of concrete production, which accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions[6]. Traditional cement manufacturing, notably the production of clinker, is responsible for the majority of these emissions. The ACT technology addresses this issue head-on by reducing the amount of clinker required and maximizing the use of low-carbon ingredients[4].
The consortium’s project will involve extensive testing and validation of the ACT technology in laboratory settings, concrete production facilities, and real-world construction sites. This complete approach will ensure that the new low-carbon concrete meets all necessary performance and safety standards before widespread adoption.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the planned presentation of the technology at Wembley Park, where Sisk has been working on redevelopment for the past two decades[7]. This high-profile location will provide an excellent showcase for the potential of low-carbon concrete in large-scale construction projects.
Sarah-Jane Pisciotti, Innovation and Design Director at Sisk, emphasized the importance of this initiative in their sustainability strategy. She stated, “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”[7]. This sentiment reflects the growing recognition within the construction industry of the need to address carbon emissions and embrace more sustainable practices.
The potential impact of this technology extends far beyond a single project or company.As John Reddy, Director of Concrete Technology Deployment at Ecocem, pointed out, “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”[1]. The prosperous development and implementation of ACT could therefore have a significant positive impact on global efforts to combat climate change.
The involvement of academic institutions like Loughborough University adds a crucial research component to the project. Professor Chris Goodier from the university’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering highlighted their role in providing autonomous testing and verification of the material, and also supporting the delivery of a full-scale building using the new low-carbon concrete[7].
This project is not occurring in isolation but is part of a broader trend towards sustainable construction materials. Across the industry, there is growing interest in and demand for low-carbon concrete solutions. Companies and researchers are exploring various approaches, from choice binding agents to carbon capture and utilization technologies[14][15].
The funding from Innovate UK is part of a larger governmental push to support the development of sustainable technologies. This support is crucial in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and practical, scalable solutions. As John Reddy noted, this funding 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”[4].
The consortium’s work aligns with broader industry goals to reduce carbon emissions in construction. Many countries and organizations are setting ambitious targets for carbon reduction, and innovations like ACT will be essential in meeting these objectives.The success of this project could pave the way for widespread adoption of low-carbon concrete, potentially transforming the environmental impact of the construction industry.
As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by industry professionals, environmental advocates, and policymakers alike. The results of the testing and demonstration phases will be crucial in determining the viability of ACT for large-scale adoption.If successful, this technology could represent a major leap forward in sustainable construction practices.
The development of low-carbon concrete is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. As regulations around carbon emissions become stricter and consumers demand more sustainable products, companies that can offer effective low-carbon solutions will be well-positioned for future success.
the securing of this funding for the development of ACT technology represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable construction. By bringing together industry leaders, academic experts, and innovative technology, this consortium is poised to make a real difference in reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s most essential building materials. The success of this project could have far-reaching implications for the future of construction and global efforts to combat climate change.
