ECOPact shortlisted for prestigious award
Aggregate Industries earn spot on shortlist for ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ at BCIA 2022
AGGREGATE Industries have been shortlisted for the British Construction Industry Awards 2022 for their involvement in the iconic Hope Sculpture project, which was unveiled in Glasgow in November 2021, during COP26.
The company has earned a spot on the shortlist for the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ category for the use of its ultra-low-carbon concrete, ECOPact Max+, in the project as a showcase of how the construction industry can drive better and more sustainable building in the transition towards net zero.
The British Construction Industry Awards are the most prestigious awards in the building environment sector with 19 categories judged by an independent panel of more than 80 expert judges. The ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ category shows recognition towards innovation in products for design or construction that are deployed on specific projects and that are boosting overall project outcomes.
The Hope Sculpture is the centrepiece of three public art installations by the British artist and designer Steuart Padwick, with ECOPact Max used to create the project’s columns and pile caps, making the Hope Sculpture the first UK structure built with 100% cement-free concrete.
Aggregate Industries worked closely with Master Builder Solutions to develop a bespoke ECOPact Max+ product to meet the desired sustainability credentials for the project. The concrete included 20% recycled glass and offered a minimum 70% reduction in CO2 compared with a standard concrete mix, without compromising on performance.
To create a unique finish for the sculpture, Aggregate Industries added specific aggregate types, such as a light coloured 4/14 aggregate from Skye, and recycled glass to create an exposed rustic finished look. As a final touch, the ECOPact Max+ was lightly power washed to etch back the surface and expose the unique and decorative look of the recycled glass.
Aggregate Industries’ sustainability director, Kirstin McCarthy, said: ‘As a business, we are committed to building progress towards a more sustainable construction industry. A more sustainable future requires new, ground-breaking products that challenge and facilitate the modernizing of codes and practices.
‘The work we have done as part of the Hope Sculpture project, developing ECOPact Max and showcasing low-carbon, sustainable solutions at their very best, is a great example of this and serves as a permanent and visual reminder that transition is within reach.
‘We are delighted to have contributed to this project and to have been shortlisted proves the importance of the work we are doing to achieve a cleaner, greener industry and global environment.’
The Hope Sculpture, which stands 23.5m tall and is located at Cunigar Loop, part of Clyde Gateway, is on view to the public via walking and cycling routes that connect all three art installations, including the Beacon of Hope and the Hope Triptych.
