Innovations in Low-Carbon Construction: The Decarbonisation of Conrete

The construction industry, a cornerstone of modern society, faces a pressing challenge: significantly reducing its substantial carbon footprint. Concrete, a ubiquitous building material, plays a significant role in this challenge. Its production is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, making its decarbonisation a critical step towards a sustainable future.

The production of concrete is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions

Why We Need to Decarbonise Concrete

The production of traditional concrete relies heavily on cement, a material whose manufacturing process is inherently carbon-intensive. This process involves heating limestone and other materials at extremely high temperatures, generating significant amounts of carbon dioxide as a byproduct. To align with global climate goals and Ireland's own ambitious targets of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry must embrace innovative solutions to decarbonise concrete.

Exploring the Technologies of Decarbonisation

Fortunately, several promising technologies are emerging that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete:

Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs): These materials, such as fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion), slag (from steel production), and calcined clay, can be used to replace a portion of the cement in concrete mixes. SCMs not only reduce the amount of cement needed but also offer performance benefits like improved durability and workability.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS): This technology involves capturing CO2 emissions from cement production and either storing them underground in geological formations or utilising them in other industrial processes. While still in its early stages of development, CCUS has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement production.

• Advanced Concrete Mix Designs: Optimising concrete mix designs can also contribute to decarbonisation. By carefully selecting the types and proportions of cement, aggregates, and admixtures, engineers can create concrete with lower cement content while maintaining the required strength and durability. This approach reduces the overall embodied carbon of the concrete.

• Alternative Binders: Researchers are exploring the use of alternative binders, such as geopolymers and alkali-activated materials, which can be produced with significantly lower CO2 emissions than traditional cement. These binders offer promising potential for creating low-carbon concrete with comparable performance characteristics.

  
  

Technology is at the heart of meeting the decarbonisation challenge

Ireland's Commitment to Sustainable Construction

Ireland is actively participating in the global effort to decarbonise concrete. The government's Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions in the construction sector, and various initiatives are underway to promote the adoption of sustainable building practices. These initiatives include:

• Promoting the use of SCMs: Encouraging the use of locally sourced SCMs in concrete production to reduce reliance on imported cement.

• Supporting research and development: Investing in research and development of new low-carbon concrete technologies and materials.

• Updating building regulations: Incorporating sustainability requirements into building regulations to incentivize the use of low-carbon concrete.

  
  

Sisk Sets a Global Precedent

In a significant step towards decarbonising the construction industry, John Sisk & Son, in collaboration with a consortium of industry experts, has secured £500,000 in funding from Innovate UK. This funding will support the development of a world-first, scalable low-carbon concrete demonstrator project, showcasing the potential of Ecocem's ACT (Advanced Cement Technology).

This innovative technology combines technical advancements with readily available low-carbon materials to reduce cement production emissions by up to 70%. The demonstrator project, based at Wembley Park in London, will rigorously test and validate the performance and environmental benefits of ACT concrete in a real-world construction setting. This initiative marks a significant step towards making low-carbon concrete commercially viable and driving widespread adoption within the construction sector.

The consortium behind this project comprises leading experts in the field, including Sisk, Ecocem, Ramboll, Loughborough University, Creagh Concrete, Capital Concrete, and BRE Group. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of industry-wide cooperation in achieving a sustainable future for construction. By sharing knowledge and resources, these organisations are paving the way for a greener built environment and demonstrating the power of innovation to address climate change.

John Sisk and Son's constructions set a world precedent

Challenges and the Path Forward

While the potential of decarbonised concrete is immense, there are challenges to overcome. The availability and cost of alternative materials, the scalability of CCUS technologies, and the need for industry-wide adoption are key considerations.

Despite these challenges, the future of sustainable construction hinges on the widespread adoption of decarbonised concrete. As technology advances and costs decrease, we can expect to see a significant shift towards greener concrete solutions. This transition will not only reduce the environmental impact of the built environment but also create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth within the Irish construction sector.

The decarbonisation of concrete is not just an environmental imperative; it's an opportunity to build a more sustainable and resilient future. At ENX Engineering, we embrace innovation, supporting government initiatives, and fostering collaboration, we can pave the way for a greener built environment and contribute to Ireland's climate action goals.