CCP launches ultra-low carbon concrete block

CCP, part of SigmaRoc plc, has launched a cement-free ultra-low carbon concrete block which promises up to 73% CO₂ savings compared to traditional concrete blocks.

The new sustainable concrete block, Greenbloc, is designed to help reduce the construction industry’s dependency upon cement – the world’s third highest source of man-made CO₂ – as a key ingredient in concrete manufacturing.

A high-density load bearing concrete block made from class 1 aggregates and Cemfree – a totally cement-free alternative to conventional concrete, Greenbloc is manufactured to BS EN 771 – 3: (2011) and complies with Part E of the Building Regulations for Walls and Floors,.

Manufactured, stored and placed in the same way as conventional concrete blocks, Greenbloc is suitable for all applications, including foundations, load bearing walls, internal leaves of cavity walls and partition walls.

CCP managing director Michael Roddy says: “Greenbloc is a game-changer for the construction industry. Up until now sustainability has all-too-often been focused on operating carbon emissions post-build, rather than the carbon generated during the build schedule and in the manufacture of building materials. Greenbloc is an important step in the greening of both construction projects and the wider supply chain, as it has the capability to reduce CO₂ by up to 73% on a project compared to OPC. In short, the only difference to OPC is that Greenbloc has the ability to dramatically reduce CO₂.”

Concrete has long been regarded as a key building material despite the fact that its manufacturing process is one of the world’s largest emitters of CO₂. CCP’s own figures suggest that, for an average three-bedroom house, OPC accounts for almost 3.7 tonnes of CO₂. In comparison, Greenbloc accounts for just 981kg of CO₂ for the same house, achieved through a saving of 1kg of CO₂ per block and adding up to a total saving of 2.7 tonnes of CO₂ per house.

Roddy adds: “As a building material, cement cannot be matched; however it remains the source of about 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions*. Greenbloc offers the construction industry a clear path to a more sustainable future, decreasing the carbon footprint of one of its core building products and the projects it is used in.”