In the quest for net-zero and beyond, an important milestone for concrete and cement manufacturers is the eagerly awaited revision to the British Standard for Concrete BS 8500, which is set to come into force towards the end of 2023.

The MPA has recently released the following BS 8500 summary as an industry update:

• Wider range of lower carbon concretes will be available in the latest revision of the British Standard for concrete.

• Concrete has used additions such as GGBS and fly ash for decades to improve the performance and aesthetics of concrete and also to lower embodied carbon.

• This new range of lower carbon concretes are less reliant on GGBS and fly ash and use limestone instead.

• The new lower carbon concretes can be used for general purpose which means most uses of concrete can now be lower in carbon.

• As well as introducing new concretes, the revised standard also makes it easier for new concrete mixes to be introduced. Accelerating the adoption of lower carbon concretes.

• The new lower carbon concretes are being introduced in the UK based on extensive testing by the UK cement and concrete sector.

• These new lower carbon concretes will be available nationwide. Early engagement with your concrete manufacturer is recommended to provide the lowest carbon concrete.

• The UK cement and concrete sector continues to decarbonise, and significant progress has been made in reducing the embodied carbon of cement and concrete.

 Cemex and BS 8500 

In addition to delivering lower carbon concretes at scale through our Vertua family of lower-carbon cement and concrete products, the revised BS 8500 standard will also now make it easier for new concrete mixes to be introduced.  In line with this approach, we have recently reduced the embodied carbon of our mortar range by over 30%*. The carbon saving has been achieved by incorporating new admixture technology alongside an enhanced production process with a more efficient drying process. As a result of this carbon saving, Cemex’s mortar products now meet the strict criteria to be included in the Vertua range. 

We will continue to keep you updated with the latest BS 8500 Cemex News as it becomes available.