New sustainable cement and concrete centre to open in North East

The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) will unveil the £1 million facility later this month to aid the construction industry in its decarbonisation efforts.

The SCCC will work on cutting-edge research, focusing on low-carbon cement and concrete formulations and the use of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slags in aggregate and clinker production.

It will also offer consultancy services to help clients accelerate innovation.

The Middlesbrough-based institute hosted a meeting of the Mineral Products Association’s (MPA) Cement Standards and Technical Group, providing attendees with an advanced tour of the facility.

Terry Walsh, MPI’s CEO, said: “The SCCC is a critical step in supporting the UK construction industry’s journey to net zero.

“Cement and concrete are the backbone of our built environment, and by focusing on decarbonising, we can significantly reduce emissions across the sector.

“This facility demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, providing the tools, expertise, and innovation required to enable a greener future through fuel switching, low-carbon cements and concretes, and innovations such as Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (CCUS) technology.”

According to Roger Griffiths, manager of innovation projects at the MPA, the investment in this facility “will help support cement and concrete research and testing to strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in sustainable construction innovation.”

The UK economy heavily relies on concrete and cement, with more than 90 million tonnes used annually.

The industry contributes £18 billion to GDP, supporting 3.5 million jobs and underpinning crucial infrastructure and housing.

Decarbonising this essential material is seen as a significant opportunity to reduce emissions, ensuring sustainability and resilience in the construction sector.

The SCCC is part of the wider EconoMISER programme, led by the Foundation Industries Sustainability Consortium (FISC), which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK’s foundation industries.

It builds on MPI’s role as a national leader in research and innovation and its track record in delivering transformational change across the sector.