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We all want to change our negative impact on the planet. And what’s true for households is true for large industries as well. Today, we’re looking at what’s beyond net zero for concrete and cement. How will the industry change now to meet the negative carbon commitments of the future and what key technologies are enabling greener production and delivery of concrete?

What is net zero for concrete and cement?

Net zero means that the carbon we release from the manufacture, transport and delivery of concrete or cement is negated by the carbon we remove from the environment. The University of Oxford explains, “In order for net zero to be effective, it must be permanent. Permanence means that removed greenhouse gas does not return into the atmosphere over time, for example through the destruction of forests or improper carbon storage.” And as a highly-polluting industry, the construction sector is trying to do more than just meet net zero. We’re looking at ways to go further and become a positive contributor to the removal of greenhouse gases. 

How will the industry become net zero?

There are a number of ways the industry will hit net zero for concrete and cement. Here are just a few as outlined in the thisisconcrete.co.uk roadmap:

• Reduced emissions from decarbonised electricity – this change is expected to result in a -4% reduction in emissions.
• More efficient transportation – changing how we move concrete will reduce emissions by -7%.
• Switching to low carbon types of cement and concrete – this change will net a -12% reduction in CO2.
• Fuel switching – changing fuel types from fossil fuels to something more sustainable like hydrogen or plasma will take us down by -16%.

Combined, these methods will bring us to a net zero carbon position. But the industry is not stopping there. We want to be net negative by 2050 and the next few changes will get us to that point.

What’s after net zero?

Carbon Capture, Use or Storage (CCUS) technology for cement manufacture, accelerated carbonation and exploiting thermal mass are the keys to a negative net zero positioning. With CCUS as the largest reduction with -61% contribution, it’s important to understand the tech. According to Building, “Carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) involves first capturing carbon dioxide generated through industrial processes, power generation and certain hydrogen production methods, as well as active capture through greenhouse gas removal technologies that range from engineered to nature-based solutions.” That CO2 is then used in safe ways or stored permanently to keep the carbon out of the atmosphere. Then there is accelerated carbonation. This is a gas-to-mineral treatment expected to reduce emissions by -12% and lastly, manipulating the thermal mass properties of buildings themselves will deliver -44% in further CO2 emission reductions.

Our environmental approach

At NewForm Construction, we’re committed to looking after our people and our planet. That’s why we’re proud to hold a Social Value Certificate as part of our Constructionline Gold Membership. It shows we’re putting people & planet-first processes in place like engaging with our local communities and working to improve our organisation’s sustainability with every new build we undertake. As the above technologies are tested and adopted by the industry, we can’t wait to be at the forefront of what’s beyond net zero for concrete and cement.