Bouygues UK Discusses Embodied Carbon in Construction

Bouygues UK, a leading construction and property development company, has joined the charge in reducing embodied carbon, contributing to sustainable construction practices worldwide.

As the construction industry faces the global push for sustainability, Bouygues has highlighted that the focus is shifting to address both operational and embodied carbon within the construction sector.

Embodied carbon refers to CO₂ emissions associated with a building's materials throughout its lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. 

It includes emissions from manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance and end-of-life processes, with key sources including concrete, steel, insulation and glass. 

Addressing embodied carbon is crucial for meeting global emissions reduction targets and offers various benefits, including cost reduction and improved planning permissions.

As regulatory pressures mount and awareness grows, construction giants including Bouygues UK, Balfour Beatty and AECOM, are implementing innovative strategies to minimise their carbon footprint and reshape the construction industry's future.

Bouygues UK, Balfour Beatty and AECOM: embodied carbon reduction innovations

The construction industry's efforts to reduce embodied carbon are gaining momentum, driven by technological advancements and material innovations. 

As Romain Richli, Head of Climate & Environment for Bouygues UK states: "Continuing the drive to minimise embodied carbon in residential developments is imperative. As industry leaders, we must embrace innovative materials and practices, optimise our designs, and continuously seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Balfour Beatty UK is pioneering the use of low-carbon materials in its projects. 

The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its recent £185m (US$236m) contract for the A9 dualling project in Scotland.

This aims to upgrade 83 miles of road from single to dual carriageway, incorporating sustainable design principles and innovative materials.

The company is trialling a zero carbon construction site at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, examining every project element to find lower carbon options. 

Both companies are embracing circular economy principles, with a focus on reusing and recycling materials. 

This involves designing out waste, extending material lifespans, and maximising resource value through reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. 

The companies aim to reduce waste and increase material efficiency throughout the construction lifecycle.

Meanwhile, AECOM is emphasising strategies such as building electrification, high-performance envelopes, and efficient HVAC systems to reduce operational carbon demand. 

It recommends using materials with high recycled content, bio-based products, and those with planned end-of-life strategies.

Romain also emphasises the importance of conducting Whole Lifecycle Carbon Assessments (WLCA) to identify and reduce emissions throughout a building's lifespan.

Bouygues UK strategies to minimise embodied carbon

Buildings contribute to nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, whilst embodied carbon accounts for over 60% of all global emissions in buildings, consequentially becoming a critical target for reduction efforts. 

“To minimise embodied carbon, incorporating reused or recycled materials is essential”, Romain says.

“Reusing existing foundations and structures in renovation projects can save up to 75% of embodied carbon. Similarly, using recycled steel, which has a much lower carbon footprint than new steel, is a highly effective strategy”, he adds.

Romain continues to highlight the three following areas as key to reducing embodied carbon in the construction sector.

Concrete production
“Innovations in concrete production, such as using cement replacements like Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) and Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), can significantly reduce the carbon footprint”, Romain says.

“Additionally, exploring alternatives like clinker-free concrete and other sustainable building materials can further reduce emissions.”

Responsibly sourced wood products
According to Romain, trees absorb up to one tonne of carbon for every metre cubed of timber.

Meaning that using mass timber for structural elements can reduce embodied carbon while providing biogenic carbon storage benefits.

“Responsibly sourced wood products store carbon throughout their lifecycle and have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials” he says. 

“Indeed, making structures from timber requires much less energy than from concrete or steel”, he adds.

Underground parking
​​​​​​​“Underground parking requires substantial amounts of concrete and steel as well as significant excavation works, contributing heavily to embodied carbon”, Romain commented.

Meaning that minimising underground parking in urban residential developments, especially where public transport options are robust, can lead to carbon savings.

“Sourcing building materials locally reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies”, Romain concludes.

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