Building a sustainable future

Concrete has strong sustainability credentials and is playing a vital role in meeting the UK’s ambition of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  

Increasingly we’re recognising the importance of measuring the environmental performance of a building over its whole life, rather than simply considering the impact of its construction.  In this way building with concrete provides numerous benefits.

Concrete is 100% recyclable. It’s durable, low-maintenance and long-lasting, meaning concrete structures remain fit for purpose for generations. It’s locally produced and can even be made using waste materials.  

Concrete has built-in properties, such as thermal mass and carbonation, that help to avoid and reduce carbon emissions during the life of a building. 

As well as continuing to innovate and lower carbon footprints, the concrete industry’s commitments to reduce carbon are playing a vital role in helping the UK achieve its sustainability targets of reaching a net zero carbon society by 2050, as committed to by the government.

UK Concrete’s ‘roadmap to beyond net zero’ explained

UK Concrete’s ‘roadmap to beyond net zero’ explained.

Case study: Saving a 1950s landmark from demolition

Mark Architects’ transformation of 55 Baker Street, London