Concrete industry receives high praise

Minister and Government chief constriction adviser applaud the environmental achievements of the sector

THE concrete industry has been praised by Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Innovation, for its environmental credentials and commitment to sustainability at the Parliamentary launch of the annual Concrete Sustainability Performance Report.

The report is produced on behalf of the Sustainable Concrete Forum, which acts the steering group for sustainable construction across the concrete supply chain.

Mr Prisk said: ‘I am really impressed by how the concrete industry has taken positive action and initiative not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to produce cleaner products and reduce waster. This latest achievement is one that the industry should take particular pride in…The environmental achievements of the industry are all the more impressive when one considers how the sector has transformed its operations while dealing with a difficult business environment.’

Paul Morrell, chief construction adviser, also applauded the concrete industry for having a vision of leadership for sustainable construction and encouraged the sector to engage with the Government agenda, when it responds to his low carbon construction report in spring 2011.

The industry has exceeded a number of environmental targets, including the reduction of greenhouse gases. There has been an almost 18% reduction of carbon emissions in concrete production since 1990 and this currently exceeds the 2012 target. This has been achieved by the substitution of fossil fuels with waste-derived fuels in cement manufacturing and by the use of recycled and low carbon constituent materials subject to their availability and suitability.

The concrete industry also continues its impressive performance in waste minimization; using over 4 million tonnes of waste otherwise destined for landfill, while generating just under 0.2 million tonnes of waste.

Welcoming the progress being made, Jeremy Greenwood, chairman of The Concrete Society, said: ‘The industry is working together to ensure that it is not just at the forefront, but is the leader in sustainable construction. As this latest report demonstrates, we are dedicated to the ongoing environmental improvements and are committed to the transparent reporting of our progress.’