Developing concrete products in a sustainable and cost-effective eco-system

Dr Andrew Smith, Head of Materials Development, Forterra PLC, and Associate Professor of Mineral Product Technology, University of Derby

The challenge for all concrete producers, is not the ability to achieve the sustainability goals associated with decarbonisation of concrete, or material substitution from primary virgin to secondary recovered materials, but more to do with the ability to achieve this and deliver to the customer at a price that is at least a cost neutral. Over the past 10 years or so we have seen many innovative technological solutions to significant reduce embodied carbon, especially in the realm of the binders used in concrete. However, though able to deliver the carbon savings, many have fallen by the wayside because of the cost, or the scalability of the solution, in short a lack of material availability, to a mass market.

Some analysts have stated that in order for a "green solution" to make an instant market impact and have traction, it has to deliver all the technical requirements at 80%-90% of the existing cost of the standard product.

The question therefore for most concrete product manufacturers is, "is it really possible to deliver more for less?" Can we ever achieve this 'Holy Grail' of matching existing performance with real green credentials, and maintain or reduce the cost to the customer?

This presentation looks at some of the more viable potential solutions for delivery of, or at least a glimpse, of the 'Holy Grail'.