The latest changes to the British standard for concrete have been hailed as a substantial “leap forward” for the industry as it pursues its decarbonisation goals.

The British Standards Institution recently revealed a significant change to BS8500 standard which will enable British concrete producers to create more low-carbon concrete.

The change allows for finely ground limestone from UK quarries to be mixed with other materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), a by-product from the steel industry and fly ash, a by-product from power generation.

According to reports, the CEM I content in concrete can be replaced with up to 20 per cent of limestone powder under the new standard.

This will help decrease the carbon emissions created in the development of traditional concrete. 

“In a climate emergency, this new approved standard is important in helping architects and engineers significantly lower embodied manufacturing emissions today and in the future, while delivering structural strength in buildings and infrastructure,” said Elaine Toogood, director of architecture and sustainable design at the Concrete Centre.

The changes have received a warm response from UK concrete producers.

Aggregate Industries commercial director Mark Hickingbottom said the new changes could see low-carbon options become the default solution within the construction industry. 

“We applaud the newly revised BS 8500 as a significant advancement for the construction industry and we’re ready to assist customers in capitalising on these new changes,” he said.

The amended concrete standards will serve to keep all companies on track with their respective decarbonisation goals, with the focus firmly set on becoming net-zero by 2050.