Scottish Water is cutting carbon emissions from construction using new concrete technology – in "one of the biggest innovations since the Romans invented it 2000 years ago".
Two new types of concrete have been developed using production techniques that cut up to 70% of the usual amount of emissions.
Working with aggregate supplier, Breedon Aggregates, Scottish Water are investigating the use the new materials across the country.
David Lavery, Project Manager at Scottish Water said: "If the manufacturing of concrete was a country, globally it would be the third largest producer of carbon emissions, producing around 8% of the world's total.
"While there have been numerous developments in concrete over the past 100 years, the basic process of making it has remained much the same since the Romans invented it.
"These new techniques cut the amount of cement needed which dramatically reduces the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the process.
"Given that concrete is such an important component in construction because of its strength and versatility, we can make significant reductions in our emissions by using lower carbon alternatives at our sites."
Scottish Water is looking to adopting two new products – Cemfree and CarbonCure – currently being rolled out by its supply chain partner Breedon Aggregates at its yards in Glasgow.
During the delivery of a recent project at Shieldhall Wastewater Treatment Works, Aaron Lucid, Business Development Manager from Cemfree said: "It has been fantastic to be part of this innovative project with Scottish Water to help them reach their net zero targets.
"After carrying our vigorous testing and lab trials in collaboration with Scottish Water and Breedon, it's exciting and rewarding to see Cemfree Concrete successfully be poured on-site in Glasgow, offering vast carbon savings to the project.
"It's always a pleasure to work with likeminded people who are dedicated to cutting their carbon, and we look forward to supporting Scottish Waters use of Cemfree at every stage on their net zero mission."
Gordon Reid, Scottish Water's Zero Emissions General Manager said: "This is a really exciting development for Scottish Water.
"We have successfully trialled these products across a small number of sites over the last couple of years and I am delighted that we are using them more widely.
"As a business, we have made some incredibly bold and brave commitments in reducing our carbon emissions, and I believe these technologies will go some way to delivering on those ambitions."
Scottish Water has committed to meeting net zero total emissions by 2040, and net zero operational emissions by 2030.
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
22/11/2024
SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth. The selected companies, many of which are ...
22/11/2024
Edinburgh City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a new strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley. The vision aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and enhancing the visitor ...
22/11/2024
Ener-G Services Limited, a leading UK electrical engineering company specialising in renewables, marine, and offshore sectors, has expanded its operations in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. The company has leased Unit 6E at Kingshill Commercial Park, a 2,500 sq ft space, on a 5-year lease. This new ...
22/11/2024
A consortium of leading scientists, industry experts, and academic institutions has joined forces to accelerate Scotland's offshore wind sector. The £2.5 million project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore cluster (FTO), ...
22/11/2024
The Port of Aberdeen and Turner & Townsend were highly commended in the 'Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure Project of the Year' category at the APM Project Management Awards 2024. The award recognises excellence in project management and the positive impact on end-users. The £420 million ...
22/11/2024
South Lanarkshire Council's £10 million fire safety improvement programme has reached a significant milestone, with CCG (Scotland) completing installations in over 1,700 high-rise residences across East Kilbride and Cambuslang. The Glasgow-based construction firm has been working closely with the ...
22/11/2024
SSEN Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy transition, is set to further expand its workforce and move into a new, sustainable office space in Glasgow. The company's commitment to net zero and the increasing demand for green energy workers has led to significant growth, with the number of ...
22/11/2024
Scottish Water is investing in the upgrade of its Loch Eck clean water plant in Dunoon. The project involves replacing outdated dry well pumps with new, more reliable pumps capable of operating in both wet and dry conditions. WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, has been tasked with carrying out ...
22/11/2024
Scottish Land & Estates has expressed serious concerns over the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill, particularly the provisions that would allow ministers to force landowners to sell large estates in lots. Sarah-Jane Laing, the organisation's chief executive, stated that while the land-based ...
22/11/2024
Clark Contracts employees have once again shown their commitment to community engagement by volunteering at Silverburn Park in Leven. On Thursday, 21st November, 16 members of the team spent their day planting over 400 trees and carrying out other landscaping tasks. This latest volunteering effort ...