Successful test of low carbon concrete

The Sisk infrastructure company has completed successful tests of concrete decarbonising technology at a construction site in Wembley Park, London.

The concrete used was made using the ACT low-carbon cement technology process, which reduces carbon in cement production by about 70% compared to traditional cement.

Several variations of ACT cement were tested and assessed on how well each performed. The concrete was used to make stairs, columns and concrete flooring.

A group of experts from Sisk, Ecocem, Loughborough University, Ramboll, Creagh Concrete, Capital Concrete and the BRE Group assessed the tests. Their initial feedback was positive, with the cement performing well.

The Chief Engineer of Sisk, Ross Cullen, said that the cement tests were part of its commitment to sustainability and its goal of reducing the company’s environmental impact. He praised ACT cement, saying:

“This innovation not only reduces our carbon footprint but also sets a new standard for environmentally responsible construction practices.”

Ecocem has been making and testing ACT cement over the last year. The cement is made from widely available low carbon materials. Ecocem claims that its manufacturing process produces cement that is strong and durable. They will soon produce commercial scale quantities of the cement at a plant they are constructing in Northern France that will have the capacity to produce 300,000 tonnes of ACT cement a year.

Concrete production is estimated to account for 8% of global carbon emissions. Innovate UK supports the ACT project as a way to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions in construction.