How can we reduce the embodied carbon of structural concrete?

Will Arnold, Jenny Burridge, David Moore, Keerthi Ranasinghe and Sean Wilkins argue that engineers should always look to specify the most suitable material for a particular project, and offer advice on how to use materials efficiently once a choice is made.

In this article, we introduce the IStructE's new concrete technology tracker, which has been compiled to inform members about the development of lower-carbon alternatives to conventional Portland cement-based concrete. We also look in more detail at four emerging technologies: Limestone Calcined Clay Cement, Seratech, Cambridge Electric Cement, and Brimstone.

The aim of this webpage is to serve as a high-level guide for engineers about current and emerging lower carbon concrete technologies available in the UK market.