The trial of a new low carbon cement mix at Wembley Park signifies a major step towards sustainable construction.
- John Sisk & Son, in collaboration with Innovate UK, leads a project aimed at reducing cement’s carbon footprint.
- This trial employs ACT technology developed by Ecocem, reflecting a significant innovation in construction materials.
- Backed by substantial grant funding, the initiative involves prominent partners from industry and academia.
- The overarching goal is to demonstrate that rapid decarbonisation within the construction industry is feasible.
In a pioneering move, John Sisk & Son has initiated a trial of a novel low carbon cement mix at Wembley Park, a site where Sisk has been active for the past two decades. Supported by a £500,000 grant from Innovate UK, this initiative aims to explore sustainable construction methods by reducing the carbon footprint traditionally associated with cement production.
Ecocem ACT, the innovative cement mix central to this trial, substantially lowers carbon emissions by replacing the conventional clinker component. Clinker, typically constituting 75% of traditional cement, has been reduced to less than 25% in this new formulation, achieving a carbon reduction of approximately 70%. This ambitious project therefore represents a substantial leap forward in sustainable building practices.
Aidan King, the operations director at Sisk, alongside innovation and design director Sarah-Jane Pisciotti and Mark Glaysher from Innovate UK, spearheads this trial. It draws on the expertise of a consortium comprising Ramboll, Loughborough University, Creagh Concrete, Capital Concrete, and the BRE Group. This collaborative effort is poised to set a precedent in the industry, highlighting the synergy between academic research and practical application.
The importance of this trial is underscored by John Reddy, Ecocem’s director of concrete technology deployment, who stresses the imperative to address the high levels of CO2 emissions inherent in cement production. He points out that embodied carbon dioxide in construction contributes to 11% of global emissions, with clinker-associated processes accounting for a significant portion.
By creating a delivery team of specialists under Sisk’s leadership, the consortium aims to showcase how innovative ACT technology can achieve rapid decarbonisation. This trial not only highlights the potential for change within the industry but also exemplifies how governmental support can propel forward-thinking solutions, as evidenced by the granting of funds for such ecological advancements.
This trial stands as a testament to the potential for achieving significant decarbonisation in construction through collaborative innovation.
