82 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
micro strategies. With this in mind, what are some of the practical steps that can be taken by the concrete masonry sector to work towards net zero carbon targets?
AGGREGATES
Aggregates are the major component of concrete blocks and bricks by volume and are inherently low-carbon products. Most are naturally occurring materials requiring little processing and are usually locally sourced. In addition to primary aggregates, suitable materials for use in concrete products include air-cooled blast-furnace slag, crushed concrete aggregate (CCA), and manufactured and lightweight aggregates, as well as some by-products from the china clay industry, sometimes referred to as stent.
INCREASED EFFICIENCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS Carbon reduction will be supported by investment in more effi cient production processes and projects to decarbonise the factories. The latter includes investing in renewable technology to reduce the demand for primary energy.
GREENER TRANSPORT Generally, concrete blocks and bricks are delivered by road. Investment in new fl eet vehicles and reduced road transport miles
will help to lower carbon emissions. This endeavour will be aided by the govern- ment’s pledge to phase out new fossil-fuel powered heavy goods vehicles by 2035. Key properties of masonry can also contribute to beyond net zero during the operational lifetime of buildings.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF CARBONATION Over time, CO2
in the atmosphere reacts
with the calcium oxide in concrete to form calcium carbonate, a process called carbonation. This is recognised in UK accounting of greenhouse gases. In practical terms, this means that concrete products absorb CO2
emitted when making cement, THERMAL INSULATION
The insulation properties of lightweight and aerated concrete products are not currently factored into lifecycle assess- ments. Once they are, they will enhance the net-negative potential.
THERMAL MASS from the atmosphere
during their lifetime of 100-150 years. Over this period, carbonation will result in the reabsorption of around a third of the CO2
signifi cantly reducing the whole-life CO2 footprint of both the cement and the
concrete for which it is used. In lower strength concrete, such as blocks and bricks, carbonation is more rapid during its service life, as CO2
permeates the material more easily.
Some masonry blocks (such as Lignacite) are also produced using a proportion of graded wood particles, which further increases its carbon sequestration over the course of its lifetime.
Glidevale Protect joins forces with Countryside Timber Frame
U
K building products manufacturer Glidevale Protect has announced it has entered into a long-term Supplier
Agreement with Countryside Timber Frame, a division of Countryside Partnerships. The agreement will see Glidevale Protect supplying specialist construction wall membranes for use across Countryside Timber Frame’s three UK timber frame manufacturing sites, located in the North West and East Midlands. The manufacturing facilities produce both open and closed panel systems for use across Countryside Partnerships’ new housing developments and social housing collaborations across northern and central England. The formal supplier agreement will
strengthen Glidevale Protect’s successful working relationship with Countryside Timber Frame which has seen the two companies collaborate on a range of projects over the last 16 years. Already a tried and trusted solution, Glidevale Protect will supply its low emissivity, refl ective membranes, namely the insulating Protect TF200 Thermo external wall breather membrane as well as Protect VC Foil Ultra, the air and vapour control layer. This combination of wall membranes will help to improve energy effi ciency, increase airtightness and manage condensation risk to support Countryside Timber Frame in creating healthy and sustainable homes.
Glidevale Protect is a subsidiary of Building
Product Design Ltd, one the UK’s leading forces in the development of building ventilation solutions and specialist building products. Building Product Design Ltd, which is well known for its commitment to building healthy solutions, is itself part of Wienerberger PLC, a leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping products for new build and renovation projects. As well as benefi tting from a strong heritage, Glidevale Protect also shares its parent company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative product design and development. Glidevale Protect’s specialist product solutions with market leading aged thermal resistance have been developed to support the ‘fabric fi rst’ approach to housebuilding and help ensure compliance with the necessary Building Regulations, including the recent updates to Part L and the onward journey to the Future Homes Standard in 2025. Graham Cleland, managing director at
Countryside Timber Frame commented: “Supply chain collaboration is a vital part of our plan to build homes that are not only of exceptionally high quality but also have energy effi ciency at their heart with a low-carbon footprint. Our investment in our timber frame manufacturing capabilities is helping us achieve this aim and as we embrace more modern methods of construction, we need to ensure that our supply
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chain partners not only have the best product solutions but also share our values.” “Glidevale Protect is a trusted partner with
a clear commitment to developing solutions not only to help deliver more energy effi cient and sustainable buildings but also to add value to our factory manufacturing process, with a product and service off ering that meets our needs. We look forward to continuing our work with Glidevale Protect and to demonstrate the benefi ts timber frame construction can bring to housebuilding.” Ben Gerry, commercial director at Building
Product Design, Glidevale Protect’s parent company, added: “A housebuilder working together within the supply chain is key to unlocking best practice and we are delighted to strengthen our existing relationship with Countryside Timber Frame by embarking on a new, long-term formal supplier agreement. As well as developing our product range, we are also building on our expertise in the off site construction market and we are excited to collaborate with one of the biggest names in housebuilding”.
0161 905 5700
www.glidevaleprotect.com 25/07/2022 09:53
Thermal mass is a concept in building design that describes how the mass of the building can prevent internal temperature fl uctuations. This is typically achieved through its ability to absorb unwanted heat during the day and then release it at night with the help of ventilation from cool night air.
Concrete masonry can provide a very useful level of thermal mass and, if appropriately designed, can help to eliminate the CO2
otherwise be used in the mechanical heating and cooling of buildings.
POTENTIAL
Overall, there is much to consider in the pathway to net zero by 2050. However, the process for carbon reduction in the concrete masonry sector is well underway and there is huge carbon-saving potential, all of which bodes well for the future.
Miles Hogg is national specifi cation manager at Lignacite
emissions that would
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