UK concrete sector launches circular economy action plan
This is reported to be a first for a major structural construction material.
The evidence-based plan from MPA UK Concrete sets out how the sector will retain the value of concrete throughout its lifecycle.
It is structured around manufacturing, transport and logistics, design, construction, demolition and reuse. The plan introduces objectives, actions and metrics to help the sector respond to evolving policy and market expectations.
These metrics include the proportion of packaging materials supplied that are widely recyclable, the proportion of packaging covered by takeback schemes, and producer support to help customers reduce surplus concrete onsite.
Andrea Charlson, Head of Sustainability for UK Concrete and The Concrete Centre, says, 'Concrete is already central to the UK’s circular economy - not only because it is durable, locally available and recyclable, but because the cement and concrete sector makes productive use of materials that would otherwise become waste. This plan is about turning that existing strength into a clearer framework for action.
'The sector has reduced waste sent to landfill to extremely low levels and is now introducing new measures on recyclable packaging, takeback schemes and support to reduce surplus concrete onsite. But circularity cannot be delivered by manufacturers alone.
'If we are to keep concrete in use at its highest value for longer, we need designers, contractors, demolition specialists, clients, regulators and policymakers to work with us. The biggest gains will come from decisions made across the whole lifecycle — from design and specification through to recovery and reuse.'
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Two-day conference focused on all aspects of the fundamental science of cementitious materials.
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