Concrete and aggregate production (Cluster 3)

Background

This Cluster is the result of a combination of two original RTD project proposals, namely ‘Modern aggregate processes towards zero waste’ and ‘The production of concrete’. Both projects, which were initially embedded in the overall proposal, were not retained for funding – however their fundamental objectives and expected achievements were accepted and are the basis for the present cluster.

Extraction of aggregates at the quarry

The aggregate and concrete industry is presently facing a growing, public awareness relating to the environmental profile of their activities. With concrete being the by far most important construction material and annual aggregate production being of the order of 10 tonnes per capita throughout Europe, a major part of the environmental impact of the total building sector is related to these materials. The following figures illustrate the current situation of the building sector as to its importance for sustainable development:

• 40 % of the total energy consumption arrives from this sector
• The sector uses globally 40 % of all produced materials.
• Approximately 40 % of the CO₂ emission can be related to buildings and constructions.
• Approximately 40 % of the global amount of waste comes from production and demolition of buildings and structures.
• The sector uses approximately 40,000-50,000 different products where part of them contains substances harmful to health and safety.

Strategic objectives

According to the ECOserve Network work plan for Cluster 3, dated February 2002, the overall objective of Cluster 3 is to contribute to a reduction of the environmental impact of concrete and aggregate production: to make them more cost-effective while improving or at least maintaining the technical performance.

It is further, an objective to perform mapping activities in the field, i.e. establish an overview/inventory of stakeholders, record their views, obstacles towards environmentally friendly production technologies and to co-ordinate national and European research activities in the field.

Scope of work

• Establishment of network members
• Organisation of a workshop
• Composition of a Baseline-report
• Composition of a BAT-report
• Formulation of guidelines for aggregates
• Formulation of guidelines for concrete

A list of deliverables of this cluster and their degree of completion can be found under "Network output".

Outcome

The details of the work done in this cluster has been divided into the following categories:

• Aggregate production
• Concrete production
• Recycling and use of recycled aggregates

You can access the subcategories by clicking on the corresponding link.

Additionally some articles have been published on the subject .

Partners

Partners in Cluster 3 of the ECOserve Network are:

Co-ordinator

Fredrik Gränne
NCC AB
SE170 80 Solna
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 58 55 33 47
Telefax: +46 8 58 55 33 60
email: fredrik.granne@ncc.se

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