Sisk tests low-carbon concrete at Wembley Park
Sisk has successfully completed testing of a new low-carbon concrete technology at its Wembley Park redevelopment project, demonstrating carbon savings of over 70% compared to standard concrete. The testing forms part of a wider initiative to decarbonise concrete, which is a major contributor to global emissions, accounting for nearly 8% of CO2 production annually.
The low-carbon technology, known as ACT, was developed by Ecocem and supported by a £500,000 grant from Innovate UK under its Contracts for Innovation scheme. The demonstrator project at Wembley Park marks the first time this technology has been used in a construction structure, and early results indicate promising performance.
The two-storey project at NE02/NE03, part of the ongoing redevelopment of Wembley Park by Sisk for client Quintain, incorporated various construction methodologies and concrete mixes using ACT. From floors to precast stairs, columns, and walls, each element met the design specifications while achieving a significant carbon reduction.
“We have been committed to sustainability for many years,” said ross cullen, chief engineer at Sisk. “The development of low-carbon concrete is a tremendous leap forward. It reduces our carbon footprint and sets a new standard for environmentally responsible construction practices.”
The technology behind ACT combines technical innovations with widely available low-carbon materials, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of cement production. Ecocem’s recent announcement of a new production facility in Dunkirk, France, highlights the growing commercial viability of low-carbon cement, with the plant expected to deliver 300,000 tonnes of ACT annually.
John reddy, director of concrete technology deployment at Ecocem, added, “The project at Wembley shows that low-carbon concrete can deliver the required performance in terms of workability, durability, and early-age strength, with the added benefit of a carbon saving of over 70%.”
Sisk collaborated with a consortium of experts, including Ecocem, Ramboll, Loughborough University, Creagh Concrete, Capital Concrete, and BRE Group, to carry out the testing. Innovate UK is also supporting the project as part of its initiative to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions in construction.
Dr Stafford Lloyd from Innovate UK emphasised the importance of such projects in helping to reduce emissions in the construction industry. “Concrete production is a major contributor to global carbon emissions,” he said. “Supporting projects like this is crucial for accelerating carbon reduction in a sector that faces significant challenges.”
The project at Wembley Park is expected to contribute to wider efforts in reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. With the ongoing development of low-carbon concrete solutions like ACT, the future of sustainable construction looks promising.
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