Pioneer in CO2 reduction through data, concrete and certification

Urbastyle, a Belgian family company specializing in architectural concrete, is increasingly positioning itself as a pioneer in the field of CO2 reduction in concrete construction. With a strategic path around the CO2 Performance Ladder, the company demonstrates that reduction is not only about idealism, but above all about informed choices, measurable data and continuous innovation. Concrete & Steel Construction highlights how Urbastyle is taking concrete steps and what lessons can be learned.

From necessity to strategy

In sectors such as construction, increasingly stringent sustainability requirements are being imposed. Urbastyle therefore consciously chose the CO2 Performance Ladder as an objective yardstick. Managing Partner Jan Laroy emphasizes that it is not enough to "say one is working on sustainability": "Those who cannot demonstrate their CO2 impact risk losing customers and government contracts."

With the certification, Urbastyle aims not only to meet external requirements, but above all to actually substantiate internally the sustainability of processes with hard figures. "We wanted to lay a data-driven foundation for further sustainability, and above all: achieve a certification that doesn't just exist on paper, but is truly supported within the organization."

Data, measure, improve

Together with Mantis Consulting, Urbastyle began a systematic process. First, the data needed was mapped out. Think energy consumption, transportation and raw materials. Interim deadlines were also set for collecting that data. This was followed by an audit. First online and then on site. The result is not only an official certificate, but also an organization that knows with figures where the main CO2 impact is and where improvement is possible. Laroy: "We can now demonstrate with figures where our areas for improvement are and at the same time create realistic expectations for customers and governments." Internally, the enthusiasm is measurable: from small interventions such as switching to LED lighting to larger changes in supplier policy. 

Concrete in practice: Mechelen station

Urbastyle brings sustainability and aesthetics together, for example in the Mechelen Station project. There, the company supplied prefabricated architectural concrete elements such as straight and curved wall panels, seat edges and platform edges. "For the exterior wall panels were used, for the platform edges a polished finish with a slightly roughened top for more grip." All visible sides were carefully finished and polished. In doing so, Urbastyle deliberately chose Aalborg White D-Carb cement; an innovative and CO2-reduced variant of Aalborg White. D-Carb reduces CO2 emissions by 15% compared to Urbastyle's traditional CEM I binder and even by more than 30% compared to other CEM I white cements.

With this choice, Urbastyle combines aesthetics with significant climate benefits. In addition, the light, consistent color provides a uniform appearance and longer life thanks to increased stain and aging resistance. This results in less maintenance and a smaller carbon footprint over the entire life cycle of the project.

Lessons learned and outlook

Certification pays off: the CO2 Performance Ladder not only provides access to contracts, but also provides the framework for systematic improvement. Laroy: "Sustainability is both a necessity and an opportunity for us."

Data is fundamental: Without an understanding of the major sources of CO2 emissions, raw materials, transportation and energy, measures remain arbitrary.

Small actions count, provided broader involvement: innovations in internal operations and employee awareness are at least as important as technical measures.

Chain responsibility is inescapable: Urbastyle recognizes that the greatest CO2 impact is in cement production and transportation, and thus the supply chain must actively move with it.

Conclusion

Urbastyle proves that CO2 reduction in concrete construction is not an optional ambition, but a strategic imperative that is only realistic with hard data, good cooperation, transparency and continuous improvement. In projects such as in Mechelen, it becomes clear that material choices, such as the use of Aalborg White cement, contribute to a longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs and thus indirectly to a lower carbon footprint. For the sector as a whole, this makes Urbastyle an example: not only because of its certificates, but especially because of the way in which the company is actively committed to a more sustainable future with its processes, products and partners.