RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Though much rigour has been applied in our efforts to decarbonise precast concrete for immediate application through Innovate UK, further investigation could have been undertaken regarding concrete mix solutions. We would have also endeavoured to achieve full third party verification of results against ISO 14040, to ensure full compliance with the technical screening criteria of the EU.

We recommend that others undertake further research to understand and transparently communicate the embodied carbon impact, design and value chain considerations of a wider scope of construction products and services. We suggest that this review incorporates cladding, mechanical services, electrical services and insulation.

From our brief review of insulation impacts, we noted that when comparing PIR and Rockwool insulation, one should do so on the equivalent U-value, as both insulations have different lambda values. We suggest basing the comparison on a square panel, without any recesses or openings, for purely carbon comparison purposes, in order to achieve a U value of 0.15W/m2. 140mm PIR insulation and 250mm rockwool insulation would be required. When carbon factors are compared for equivalent thicknesses, 1m2 of 140mm thick PIR insulation contains 23.71kgCO2e and 1m2 of 250mm thick rockwool contains 48.3kgCO2e. “We wholeheartedly believe that through wide collaboration across the value chain, the optimisation of solutions, testing of the application and refinement, the built environment can move beyond harm, beyond unintended impacts, to achieve in full the sustainability opportunities available through its integral role in society.” Decarbonising Precast Concrete Team

Forterra crane moving a precast panel to storage