Ecocem tests low-CO2 binder products for use at airports

Heathrow Airport works with Ecocem and Cemex on net-zero ambition

Heathrow, the UK's largest and busiest airport has partnered with Ecocem to test the application of new low-CO2 concrete types for deployment at the airport. The aim is to substantially reduce the CO2 footprint of Heathrow's concrete use compared to traditional mixes currently used.

 In 2019, Heathrow commissioned the UK Building Research Establishment to assess building materials that could help reduce the airport's emissions. Ecocem and Cemex, a global supplier of building materials were selected by BRE as the most suitable partners to jointly develop and supply a low-carbon binder.

Two variants

In the first phase, two low-CO2 solutions are now being tested: a concrete pavement equivalent mixture with 50% Ecocem GGBS and, second, Ecocem Ultra, a binder with an even further reduced CO2 content. Concrete based on these two variants has been extensively tested in laboratories, under the direction of Cemex. This week, the first test pour was carried out on site under the control tower. The trial is part of a phased process to test the strength and durability of the concrete in practice. Ecocem Ultra will be evaluated for use in key airport areas, earthworks and for support purposes. The goal is to be able to assess the suitability of these low carbon concrete types for everyday airport concrete applications.

Added together, the cement industry (6%) and the aviation industry (2%) produce 8% of total CO2 emissions worldwide. With this project, Ecocem, Heathrow and Cemex aim to demonstrate the viability of low-CO2 concrete and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in construction, airports and beyond, as a prelude to net-zero.

Heathrow frontrunner

To be net-zero by 2050, Heathrow aims to reduce at least 45% of CO2 emissions on the ground by 2030. By working with Ecocem and Cemex, Heathrow remains at the forefront of getting stakeholders on board and creating support to reduce CO2 emissions in the aviation sector. Meanwhile, Ecocem has a good track record of large-scale infrastructure projects in which its low-CO2 binders are applied. Currently, Ecocem is providing concrete solutions for the HS2 project in the UK and for the metro extension project in Paris, linking the city with neighboring areas.