Cemfree ultra low-carbon concrete is being used on an Environment Agency flood defence project in Birmingham. It will be used for kerb bedding and backing over several kilometres in conjunction with various recycled products in an effort to reduce the projects’ carbon footprint.
The material is supported by laboratory, plant and site tests conducted beforehand by the supply chain which includes DB Group, the makers of Cemfree, the contractor, Jackson Civil Engineering and Accumix Concrete, the volumetric mixer suppliers.
As Tony Sheridan, Group Commercial Manager for DB Group explains: “This project is another example of the market-driven demand for real-world applications of sustainable construction products as the general public’s concerns over carbon emissions, climate change and effects on the population are felt. Jackson approached us for this project as they have successfully used Cemfree on other commercial projects previously, most recently for the M25. Accumix Concrete shared their abundant mix experience, and together extensive tests were conducted to arrive at the ideal concrete mix for this application.”
Richard Barnes, Framework Director for Jackson, added: “We’ve worked hard on this project to establish a collaborative supply chain that is capable of delivering Cemfree in the future to all our projects on the Environment Agency’s Framework.”
“Furthermore, we’ve worked closely with Arup and the Environment Agency teams to ensure we identify opportunities for using Cemfree on future schemes during the design phase.”
“Going forward, these two factors will enable us to design carbon savings into our projects from the outset. The impact of positive practical experiences like this is a great step in the right direction.”
Duncan Haywood, Commercial Director for Accumix Concrete Ltd, adds: “Our trials yielded results that pleased all parties in performance terms and Cemfree is now a standard and sustainable option we will offer to all of our customers across the Midlands. We have developed a suite of viable mix designs using Cemfree for every kind of application, ranging from kerbing to structural concrete.
Production and delivery of Cemfree is straightforward; it can be handled and placed as you would any conventional product. We have noted an increase in environmental awareness of our customers as they recognise the impact of ultra-low carbon concrete on their construction and building projects, and we’ve seen the value in making it easily available.”
Alisha Lewis, project executive for the Environment Agency, said: “As an organisation, the Environment Agency is committed to sourcing low carbon alternatives throughout our flood defence schemes and I’m pleased we’ve been able to use this Cemfree product along the entire 2km length of the new cycle path we are introducing as part of the Bromford and Castle Vale Flood Defence Scheme.”
