Concrete is the most widely manufactured material on the planet, and one that plays a central role in much of our modern life. However, it comes with a catastrophic environmental cost. ConcreteZero is a new global initiative from the Climate Group aimed at reducing that damage. Its aim? To achieve 100% net-zero concrete by 2050.
However, with demand for concrete going up, it’s certainly got its work cut out. 8% of global annual carbon emissions are the result of concrete production, while the cement industry as a whole is the third largest producer of global CO2 emissions. Climate Group recognizes that the climate crisis requires ‘big bold measures’, and the only way to limit global warming to 1.5 °C is through a net-zero concrete industry.
A total of 17 construction businesses have already signed up, reports Construction News, including Byrne Bros, Canary Wharf Group, Laing O’Rourke, Skanska and Wilmott Dixon. These founding members have pledged to use 30% low-emission concrete by 2025, 50% by 2030 and ultimately cut their concrete carbon emissions completely by 2050.
By committing to measure and report on their concrete carbon emissions, they are creating the data the industry needs to set a global standard for low-emission and net-zero concrete.
