11:00 - 12:30

Celebrating Innovation:
showcasing concrete technology

The groundbreaking ideas, projects, and technologies that are reshaping the concrete construction landscape in the UK. Discover success stories that highlight the creativity and progress within the field, and the sector-specific challenges and solutions.

Watch this session

11:00 - 11:05

Introduction

Susannah Streeter, Host

11:05 - 11:15

Innovation: driving a more sustainable concrete future

We have become used to the idea that concrete has a large carbon footprint, but does that really have to be the case? Ian will argue that we already know how to make concrete with much lower carbon footprint and significantly better resource efficiency. We are seeing innovation progress in 4 key areas: 1) the use of different binder systems such as Hoffmann Green Cement; 2) recycling of concrete into concrete rather than downcycling into fill; 3) greater use of SCMs such as calcined clays and natural pozzolans; and 4) the use of new types of additive, such as graphene and carbon nano-tubes. Taken together these developments offer the prospect that for at least some applications we may be able to reach carbon neutrality or even net sequestration of CO2.

Ian Riley, CEO, World Cement Association

11:15 - 11:35

Concrete evolution: unleashing digital tools for low carbon construction

The session explores the intersection of digital innovation and sustainability, focusing on low carbon concrete. Gain insights on cutting-edge technologies, showcasing how digital tools enhance decision-making, improve project performance and mitigate risks. Learn how these tools enable the use of low carbon concrete, reducing environmental footprints. Join us for a glimpse into a future where sustainable building practices are seamlessly integrated with digital concrete services, reshaping the construction industry

Paul O'Hanlon, Global R&D Project Manager, Holcim

11:35 - 11:55

Developing concrete products in a sustainable and cost-effective eco-system

The challenge for all concrete producers, is not the ability to achieve the sustainability goals associated with decarbonisation of concrete, or material substitution from primaty virgin to secondary recovered materials, but more to do with the ability to achieve this and deliver to the customer at a price that is at least a cost neutral. Over the past 10 years or so we have seen many innovative technological solutions to significant reduce embodied carbon, especially in the realm of the binders used in concrete. However, though able to deliver the carbon savings, many have fallen by the wayside because of the cost, or the scalability of the solution, in short a lack of material availability, to a mass market.

Some analysts have stated that in order for a "green solution" to make an instant market impact and have traction, it has to deliver all the technical requirements at 80%-90% of the existing cost of the standard product.

The question therefore for most concrete product manufacturers is, "is it really possible to deliver more for less?" Can we ever achieve this 'Holy Grail' of matching existing performance with real green credentials, and maintain or reduce the cost to the customer?

This presentation will look at some of the more viable potential solutions for delivery of, or at least a glimpse, of the 'Holy Grail'.

Dr Andrew Smith, Head of Materials Development, Forterra PLC, and Associate Professor of Mineral Product Technology, University of Derby

11:55 - 12:15

Seratech: Transforming CO2 into Sustainable Cement

In this presentation, Sam will give an overview of Seratech’s approach to decarbonise cement production. Seratech is a spin-out company from Imperial College London that mineralises CO2 within naturally abundant magnesium silicates to produce a siliceous supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for use in ready mix concrete, and magnesium carbonate – a binder for concrete products. Sam will outline the technology and Seratech’s route to large-scale market adoption in the UK and Europe to realise their target of mitigating 10Mt of CO2 per year by 2033.

Sam Draper, CEO & Co-founder, Seratech

12:15 - 12:30

Panel discussion

13:00 - 14:30

Keeping the concrete industry safe

This session explores proactive approaches
to fostering a safer working environment through leadership, training and fulfilling social responsibilities. It also explores the latest safety legislation affecting the sector.

Watch this session

13:00 - 13:05

Introduction

Susannah Streeter, Host

13:05 - 13:25

Addressing the “S” of ESG for concrete batch plants

Following on from ConSpare’s environmentally focused ‘Sustainability is a Concrete Matter’ white paper launched at the UK Concrete Show in 2023, ConSpare is soon to launch its next report focussing on the ‘Social’ aspect of ESG for concrete batch plants.

In recent years, the industry has made huge strides to advance sustainability and reduce carbon output at the plant level, however there is now a growing consideration of social issues at batching plants, meaning that decisions are increasingly being influenced by a combination of business reasons, sustainability credentials and social impact.

James’ presentation will discuss what ‘social’ means in practice for batch plants, the challenges associated with understanding how to create better, cleaner and safer conditions at each of the UK’s nearly 2,000 batch plants, and three of the main problems that must be addressed – dust, cleaning and manual interventions. Using case studies and testimonials from plant managers, James will ultimately explore how we can make the lives of batchers better – and how this will benefit the industry as a whole.

James Bullock, CEO, ConSpare, and President, MHEA

13:25 - 13:40

MP Connect delivering safer outcomes

The Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) has developed and administer the MP Connect system to support the Mineral Products Sector in delivering safer and healthier outcomes. MP Connect is a state-of-the-art application that offers a fully integrated learner management system and will ultimately replace the amount of safety cards that drivers and contractors are required to carry. The session will provide an overview of the capability of the system and case studies of how it is delivering for the sector.

James Thorne, Joint CEO IQ and MPQC

13:40 - 14:00

Safety leadership is not just about health & safety

Safety leadership should not be simply Health & Safety focussed – why not I hear you ask? 
There are many differing factors to consider when evaluating the safety of your organisation, which when you very clearly understand, plan for, do and reflect can make Health & Safety an integral day to day norm. 
Safety Leadership is a million miles away from ticking the boxes and being compliant, being a cost to your business and a thing which takes time and resource to do. In reality, getting it right, will make your business perform in a far more cost effective way in the long run?

Mike Phillips F.I.Q., CEO, British Aggregates Association

14:00 - 14:15

Concrete wash water: best practice

What is concrete wash water, how is it produced and why you should be concerned. Review of the Health Safety & Environmental risks associated with the production, storage, treatment and reuse of concrete wash water. Including guidance on options for treatment and off-site disposal (What is the correct EWC Code ?). 

Jonathan Goldsmith, Principal Scientist, Bluerinse 

14:15 - 14:30

Panel discussion