Looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint in construction has never been more important. The built environment is responsible for around 38% of global carbon emissions.
A sizeable percentage of this is specifically linked to concrete production. The manufacturing of the cement used to make concrete contributes to 7% of the world's total carbon emissions.
To put this in context, the entire nation of the UK has contributed 3% of the globe's carbon emissions since records began in 1850. This comparison highlights the scale of the construction industry's environmental impact.
At Nationwide Concreting, we're always looking for ways to improve sustainability. Below, we explore six effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects and explain why change is essential.
High carbon emissions are resulting in global warming, with a worldwide rise in temperature of 1.5°C already recorded. This has impacted people, wildlife, and the planet. The UK government aims to prevent this temperature from rising further.
To achieve this, targets have been set to reach Net Zero construction emissions by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels). This includes reducing emissions by 68% by 2030 and 78% by 2035.
Given the construction sector's significant contribution to global emissions, reducing the carbon footprint in construction is essential if the UK is to meet these goals.
Reducing carbon emissions starts even before construction begins. At the design stage, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can measure the environmental impact of a building across its lifespan. This includes repairs, energy use, and water requirements. Contractors can encourage designers and sub-contractors to integrate LCA into project planning.
Just as with financial budgeting, it's crucial to track emissions throughout a project. Reporting carbon outputs and using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for materials allows contractors to identify high-emission areas and make informed choices to reduce the project's footprint.
Procuring materials from local suppliers reduces transportation emissions and supports regional supply chains. Always ensure that local producers are also committed to cutting their own construction carbon footprint.
Transportation of materials and equipment can account for up to 16% of a project's emissions. Using renewable-powered machinery and biofuels, alongside reducing travel distances, can significantly shrink the carbon footprint in construction.
Recycling reduces the demand for new material production. Options such as using recycled aggregates in concrete can cut cement use and lower embodied carbon in construction projects.
Contractors can assess sustainability using EPDs and adopt innovative, low-carbon alternatives. For example, PrimX jointless concrete flooring produces up to 70% less carbon emissions compared to traditional concrete, making it a powerful solution for reducing the carbon footprint in construction.
At Nationwide Concreting, we're committed to helping the sector reduce its carbon footprint. Our partnership with PrimX sustainable concrete offers designers and contractors an effective way to cut emissions and align with UK Net Zero targets.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can help reduce the carbon footprint of your next construction project. Call us on 01590 676 585 or send us a message and we'll get back to you.