The Environment Agency trials low-carbon concrete in Flood Alleviation Scheme
24.01.22
The Environment Agency has trialled the use of a low-carbon concrete as part of the Par and St Blazey Flood Alleviation Scheme in Cornwall. This is a Net-Zero pilot project to trial low-carbon construction as part of the Environment Agency’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2030.
Instead of using standard concrete to reinforce one of the flood walls, a low-carbon alternative called CIIIB was used, which produced 48% less greenhouse gasses overall. The project saved 26 tonnes of greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere: the equivalent of driving an average car 86,0000 miles.
The Environment Agency are working hard to embed five low-carbon principles throughout their work. These include:
- Low carbon option selection
- Zero carbon in operation
- Low carbon construction sites
- Low carbon concrete
- Zero waste to landfill
In future, they hope to use an even more environmentally-friendly concrete solution called Cemfree, which gives a 74% carbon reduction.
How is this helping Devon reach net-zero?
Action C1: Foster innovation in technologies, institutions, business models, policy design and behaviour to achieve net-zero.
