CEMEX launch zero-carbon lightweight concrete block

ReadyBlock Zero portfolio expansion provides first complete CarbonNeutral concrete block solution in UK

IN response to customer requests, CEMEX have added a zero-carbon lightweight concrete block and common brick to their range. Combined with the existing ReadyBlock Zero dense block, the launch will allow customers to meet the concrete block requirements for housing and commercial developments using solely CarbonNeutral products.

CEMEX say this will provide developers with the opportunity to dramatically decrease the carbon footprint of their construction projects. An average three-bedroom home uses 3,500 concrete blocks to build, which, when using traditional products, equates to a total emissions rate of 14,000kg CO2e – the equivalent of a person on a plane travelling 2.4 times round the earth.

Using ReadyBlock Zero and ReadyBrick Zero products would reduce the CO2e by around 70%, so would take this down to around 4,200kg – a significant reduction in emissions, especially if used for multiple buildings in one development. The remaining or residual CO2e would then be offset.

ReadyBlock Zero Light and ReadyBrick Zero Common Brick are zero-carbon concrete products which look identical to traditional concrete blocks and bricks, the only difference being that they embody up to 80% less carbon, with the remaining carbon offset to make a CarbonNeutral product, in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol.

To do this, CEMEX are working with Natural Capital Partners, award-winning experts on carbon neutrality and climate finance.

The ReadyBlock Zero range is part of CEMEX’s Vertua family of low-carbon and sustainable urbanization solutions and is available for projects across the UK, ahead of the Government’s Future Homes Standard – when all new homes must produce 75-80% less carbon emissions by 2025.

Carl Platt (pictured), urbanization solutions director of asphalt, paving, and building products for Europe, commented: ‘The initial launch of our ReadyBlock Zero dense concrete block was very well received, with customers asking us to expand our range further to include lightweight and common brick options.

‘I’m proud of the way we have quickly responded to feedback and now offer these two additional products nationwide. Together, they can present significant savings on emissions – imagine how much of a difference could be made to the carbon footprint of the construction industry if the ReadyBlock Zero and ReadyBrick Zero products were used for every new home built.’