Precast concrete façade specialist Techrete has launched a new range of sustainable concrete products, which target a 50% reduction in embodied carbon.
The company said its new product line positions it at the forefront of innovation in green construction materials as the company approaches its 40th anniversary.
Techrete currently employs 350 people across Ireland and the UK, with 174 employed at its base in Balbriggan in Co Dublin.
It exports about 80% of its products to the UK and its customers include Kier, Mace, McAleer & Rushe, Multiplex, RG Group, Sir Robert McAlpine, Sisk, Vinci, and Wates.
Techrete said the development of its new lower-carbon concrete range was the result of a strategic R&D programme, funded by Enterprise Ireland.
Its research explored the potential of alternative cement blends and novel materials to dramatically cut carbon emissions.
As part of this, Techrete worked with the opportunities provided by a revised UK concrete standard, which allowed for the incorporation of lower-carbon materials such as limestone filler, fly ash, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag and others.
Marcus Sweeney, non-executive chair of Techrete, said that sustainability is no longer an afterthought in construction - it is a driving force behind procurement decisions.
"Every project now factors in the carbon load of materials, and our new concrete range addresses this demand," Mr Sweeney said.
"Our focus is twofold: reduce the amount of concrete used through the enhanced performance of high-strength mixes, and integrate substantial amounts of cement replacement materials to lower the carbon footprint," he said.
"Thanks to the support from Enterprise Ireland, we've made significant strides in both areas. We are on track to achieving a 50% reduction in embodied carbon by 2025, setting the stage for our ultimate goal of net-zero by 2030," he added.
Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager for Industrial & Life Sciences at Enterprise Ireland, said the agency was proud to support Techrete in its innovative approach to reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials, from R&D support to the capital support to allow real world deployment.
"The development of lower carbon concrete products is critical as the industry strives to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Techrete’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility reflects the kind of forward-thinking leadership that will keep Ireland at the forefront of global green construction," he added.
