As part of HS2’s goal of constructing the most sustainable high-speed railway in the world, HS2 contractors in London have commenced using a new low carbon concrete product which provides a reduction of 42% in CO2 in comparison to a standard concrete.
Furthermore, the remaining carbon emissions from using the concrete are offset to provide a CarbonNeutral product, in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol.
The product is being used for the first time in London and has been provided to HS2’s enabling works contractor, Costain Skanska joint venture, and Lydon Contracting Ltd by global building materials manufacturer CEMEX, from their plant based in Wembley.
Following engineering carbon reductions into the concrete mix design, CEMEX estimates the embodies carbon generated from extraction and processing of raw material, product manufacturing and distribution.
The residual carbon is then offset, making the concrete carbon natural from manufacture to use.
To attain carbon neutrality, carbon is offset by the removal or reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere in order to compensate for emission made elsewhere.
CEMEX facilitates this by investing in projects which physically remove CO2 where possible from the atmosphere, such as planting more trees or protecting against deforestation through an autonomously audited and verified project. This is done in agreement with international standards for carbon neutrality.
The first use of the Vertua Classic Zero concrete in the capital recently took place at a HS2 site in North West London, ready to prepare the ground for an electricity substation which will power the tunnel boring machines excavating HS2’s London tunnels.
A further delivery of Vertua is planned at the same site by the end of October. By using this low carbon concrete, a total of 12 tonnes of carbon should be saved once deliveries are complete, with an additional 17 tonnes of residual CO2 offset.
Peter Miller, Environment Director, HS2 Ltd said: “We know that climate change is the greatest long-term threat to Britain’s security and prosperity. The Government has set a target for net-zero emissions by 2050 and HS2 is playing its part in meeting that challenge.
“Using innovative techniques and products in the construction of the new high-speed railway, we can not only build HS2 more sustainably, but we can lead by example, showing how the construction sector can help deliver Britain’s cleaner greener future.”
Dan Hunt, Programme Director at Costain Skanska joint venture said: “Working closely with our supply chain, CSjv has identified many ways to maximise our environmental credentials, leading to more than 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) saved to date. We have focused on identifying innovations and efficiencies throughout our whole programme, from our power supplies and fuel sources through to working methodology by reducing and recycling materials.
“We have worked hard to reduce the amount of concrete needed across the programme and by working with CEMEX, we have further reduced our carbon footprint of our works.”
Richard Kershaw, Technical Manager for Materials at CEMEX UK, said: “We are proud to have supplied this HS2 site with our Vertua concrete, the first time this low-carbon product has been used in our country’s capital. We know that minimising the carbon footprint for the HS2 project is of real importance, and our Vertua concrete offers an easy way to make a more sustainable choice for such an important product. We look forward to exploring the other opportunities for Vertua to be used as part of HS2.”
Image: HS2
