CONCRETE
DECARBONISING PRECAST CONCRETE
A new Innovate UK-funded pilot to decarbonise precast concrete in construction is looking to change perceptions about the material, help reduce carbon emissions and identify opportunities for sustainability improvements.
2 The UK’s built environment sector is turning its attention to the embodied carbon in buildings, which – according to the World Green Building Council – accounts for 11% of our national total emissions. Concrete, whilst a default choice for many structures, is acknowledged as a carbon-intensive material and a focus for an industry challenged to develop a roadmap to net zero. AMA Research has forecast that the precast concrete sector will grow by 18% to £2.3billion by 2024.
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WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | MAY/JUNE 2021
A collaborative team, led by design for manufacture experts Akerlof, alongside leading UK materials manufacturer Forterra and superstructure and façade construction specialist PCE, supported by engineers Curtins and sustainability consultants Accelar, has collaborated to research and develop processes that significantly reduce the emissions of precast concrete methodology and materials. Funded by Innovate UK and supported by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) as part of its future capital programmes, this pilot project is aligned to the UK Government’s strategic commitment to develop low carbon infrastructure, decarbonise the economy and secure better outcomes for the environment.
