CCP’s ‘game-changing’ low carbon concrete block

The launch of a new cement-free ultra-low carbon concrete block has been described as a ‘construction game-changer’ by its manufacturer. PBM takes a closer look.

Promising up to 73% CO₂ savings compared to traditional concrete blocks, Greenbloc has been launched by CCP — part of SigmaRoc plc. Described as a sustainable and ultra-low carbon alternative to traditional cement-based concrete blocks, it is designed to help reduce the construction industry’s dependency upon cement — reportedly the world’s third highest source of man-made CO₂ — as a key ingredient in concrete manufacturing.

Instead, the high-density load bearing concrete block is made from class 1 aggregates and Cemfree — a “totally cement-free alternative to conventional concrete”.

Manufactured to BS EN 771 – 3: (2011) and complying with Part E of the Building Regulations for Walls and Floors, Greenbloc is manufactured, stored and placed in the same way as conventional concrete blocks. With no compromise on strength compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) blocks, it is said to be suitable for all applications, including foundations, load bearing walls, internal leaves of cavity walls and partition walls.

Michael Roddy, Managing Director at CCP, commented: “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.”

The company notes that 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. Indeed, CCP’s own figures suggest that, for an average three-bedroom house, OPC accounts for almost 3.7 tonnes of CO₂. In comparison, it says that Greenbloc would account 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.

Data from the National Energy Foundations further suggests that switching to Greenbloc is the equivalent of offsetting the electricity emissions on an average three-bedroom house for an entire year.

Michael added: “As a building material, cement cannot be matched; however it remains the source of about 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions (source: Chatham House). 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.”

For more information on Greenbloc, go to: www.ccp.ltd/blocks/greenbloc whilst a short introductory video can be seen via: https://youtu.be/xHmSKtoWkWs