Lower carbon concrete solution is a UK first

We are supplying an innovative lower carbon concrete solution to form the basement floors of a new retail and office development at 33-35 Piccadilly in London’s West End.

It’s the first time our evoBuild low carbon concrete containing both evoBuild low carbon cement – part of our range of carbon captured cements – and evoBuild low carbon GGBS has been used in the UK. The use of the lower carbon cementitious content in the concrete results in a carbon saving of 35 per cent over standard CEM I, while providing improved durability.

The redevelopment of the office building, owned by The Crown Estate, has been designed by architect DSDHA with sustainability in mind. It is targeted to achieve a NABERS 5* rating, a WELL Platinum Certification and BREEAM Outstanding.

Working with groundworks contractor Realtime Civil Engineering for main contractor Kier, we developed the low carbon concrete to help meet the project’s sustainability goals while also enhancing durability.

The evoBuild cement being used in the concrete is produced at our Brevik plant in Norway, where the use of carbon capture and storage reduces the CO₂ emissions associated with its production by around 50 per cent.

In addition, the concrete contains evoBuild GGBS, a by-product of steel making, which is less permeable than standard CEM I cement, increasing the durability of the concrete and extending its life.

We are also supplying evoBuild low carbon concrete containing our waterproofing system to protect the basement floors from water ingress.

In total around 3,000m3 of evoBuild concrete is being supplied to the project from our King’s Cross plant.

“The project at 33-35 Piccadilly is set to be an exemplar in sustainable redevelopment,” said Concrete Key Account Manager Phillip Rice.

“Through collaboration with The Crown Estate, Keir and Realtime Civil Engineering we were able to offer an innovative concrete solution that met the rigorous demands of the project while minimising its carbon impact.”

Colm Henry, Contracts Manager for RCE, said: “Realtime Civil Engineering had the pleasure of working with a progressive client team on 33-35 Piccadilly, which allowed us to engage Heidelberg Materials to successfully develop the evoBuild low carbon concrete mix.

“Previously, low carbon saving mixes affected the concrete performance on initial curing times but the evoBuild mix has overcome this issue. This benefits our overall carbon footprint with no compromise on our construction programme.”

Graham Potts, Regional Director, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, added: “33-35 Piccadilly is the latest example in our growing commercial portfolio in London and highlights the value of embedding carbon considerations from the outset and maintaining that focus throughout delivery.

“Through our strong partnership with The Crown Estate and Heidelberg Materials UK, and by combining our in-house design and engineering expertise, we’re proud to introduce this lower-carbon concrete solution to the UK for the first time. This innovative approach enables us to closely monitor and reduce carbon throughout the project lifecycle while helping meet growing demand for lower-carbon, cost-efficient buildings.”

James Atherton, Development Director at The Crown Estate said: “Across 33-35 Piccadilly and our wider portfolio, we are taking a holistic approach to reducing carbon, including looking at the materials and construction methods we use to deliver high-quality workplace. This is central to our ongoing long-term work to create a more future-ready West End. We are delighted to be working with Heidelberg Materials UK and the wider project team to bring an innovative lower-carbon concrete solution to the UK for the first time.”