evoBuild low carbon GGBS
Best option for producing low carbon concrete
evoBuild low carbon GGBS (ground granulated blast furnace slag) is the tried and tested cement alternative for delivering and meeting sustainable construction goals in any concrete mix. The cement substitute’s low carbon footprint significantly reduces the environmental impact of a project, while maintaining the strength and durability of a high-quality concrete.
Embodied CO2 reductions of around 650kg can be achieved if one tonne of evoBuild low carbon GGBS is used in concrete, rather than one tonne of Portland cement (PC). If low carbon concrete production is your focus, evoBuild GGBS is the best cement alternative for you.
evoBuild low carbon GGBS can produce some of the most sustainable concrete, as higher replacement rates can be achieved compared to Fly Ash and calcined clay. We have a proven track record of projects that have benefitted from this more sustainable concrete solution.
Safe and secure supply of GGBS
evoBuild low carbon GGBS (previously known as ‘Regen GGBS’) is readily available from our plants across the UK. We are ensuring continuous supply of this low carbon cement replacement to all construction projects today, tomorrow, and those years away. Our bulk tanker fleet and extensive distribution network ensure delivery, on-time, to any location.
Ground granulated blast furnace slag CPD
Lack of awareness and motivation to find suitable, low carbon cement alternatives are two of the core barriers to widespread adoption of low carbon GGBS.
At Heidelberg Materials UK, we’re committed to educating industry professionals about the advantages and availability of evoBuild low carbon GGBS for concrete and regularly deliver CPD sessions on the topic. Reach out to our team to find out more about our CPD offering and how it could positively impact your employees. Book a CPD presentation.
You can also watch our webinar to learn more about specifying sustainable concrete using a cement addition.
Features and benefits of low carbon GGBS
Replacing Portland cement with evoBuild low carbon GGBS brings a range of advantages to your concrete mix and overall construction project.
- Improved durability: Concrete made with GGBS is more resistant to sulphate, chloride, and acid attacks, reducing the risk of corrosion and extending the lifespan of structures.
- Enhanced workability: GGBS improves the workability of concrete, making it easier to handle and place.
- Reduced heat of hydration: The use of GGBS lowers the heat generated during the curing process, minimising the risk of thermal cracking in large concrete pours.
- Sustainability: By utilising a byproduct of the steel industry, GGBS helps reduce waste and promotes the recycling of materials.
Applications of evoBuild low carbon GGBS
evoBuild low carbon GGBS can be used in all concrete mixes to reduce carbon footprint. Its natural characteristics also make it ideal for use in certain applications, including:
- Soil stabilisation
- Mortar
- Precast concrete
- Paving and street furniture
- Specialist projects
- Mixes for foundations where sulfate resistance is required
What is GGBS?
Ground granulated blast furnace slag is a byproduct of the steel manufacturing process. It’s produced when molten iron slag from a blast furnace is rapidly quenched with water, forming granular particles. These particles are then dried and ground into a fine powder, known as GGBS.
GGBS is used as a sustainable cement alternative to produce low carbon concrete. It enhances the durability and strength of concrete while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. By replacing a portion of traditional Portland cement with GGBS, the embodied CO2 in concrete can be reduced, making it an eco-friendly choice for construction projects.
evoBuild low carbon GGBS meets industry standards for quality and performance, and conforms to BS EN 15167-1 (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag for use in concrete, mortar, and grout).
Our sustainable cement alternatives are widely available and can replace up to 95%* of Portland cement in concrete mixes. Low carbon GGBS is a versatile option for various construction applications, with better sustainability credentials than PC.
*Mix and application dependent.
Order evoBuild low carbon GGBS
To reduce the CO2 emissions of your concrete mixes, choose evoBuild low carbon GGBS. Our team of GGBS experts can advise you on the right cement options for your low carbon concrete project and other sustainable replacements.
- What is GGBS in concrete?
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Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is a low carbon replacement product for some of the Portland cement content in concrete, grout and mortar. This cement substitute can reduce the impact of construction projects on the environment by decreasing the amount of embodied CO2 associated with concrete.
As GGBS is a by-product from the iron making industry, the cement alternate reduces demand on virgin materials, meaning natural resources are conserved for future generations.
Learn more about GGBS in our technical article: What is GGBS?
- What is Regen GGBS?
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Regen GGBS is the previous name for Heidelberg Materials UK’s sustainable cement substitute for making low carbon concrete. Today, the product is known as ‘evoBuild low carbon GGBS’ and is part of our evoBuild range of low carbon or circular products. Low carbon GGBS can replace between 30% and 85% of Portland cement in concrete mixes, and Heidelberg Materials UK has a continuous supply available. Find out more by contacting our team.
- What does low carbon GGBS look like?
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evoBuild low carbon GGBS provides a superior, lighter-coloured finish than concrete made using Portland cement-only mixes. In particular, it results in:
- A lighter-coloured concrete
- Greater reflectivity, providing better visibility and safety in dark environments
- Reduced efflorescence
Because of its near-white colour, low carbon GGBS can be used as a replacement for white cement, with only a minimal difference in shade. However, for architectural applications where brightness is a critical factor, it’s still recommended to use white cement where practical.
- Can GGBS be used in all types of concrete?
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Yes, GGBS can be used in various types of concrete, including for commercial, residential and infrastructure projects. Its versatility makes it suitable for many applications, providing an effective solution for builders seeking sustainable concrete alternatives.
For the technical specifications of evoBuild low carbon GGBS, look at our technical data sheets, or view all bulk cement products.
- What certifications does evoBuild low carbon GGBS carry?
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Heidelberg Materials UK is a member of the Quality Scheme for Ready-mixed Concrete (QSRMC). All our products, including evoBuild low carbon GGBS, carry this certification.
You can also find more information about the environmental attributes of evoBuild low carbon GGBS in our Environmental Protection Declaration.
Where can I get low carbon GGBS?
Low carbon GGBS is offered in Heidelberg Materials’ evoBuild range of low carbon or circular products. You can order evoBuild low carbon GGBS by contacting our team or your local area sales manager.
- Is GGBS hazardous to the environment?
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Under normal use, GGBS is not hazardous to the environment. Dust of granulated slag can act as an irritant and cause mechanical irritation to the eyes and respiration system.
