Last week, we were proud to host the Quarterly Meeting of ConcreteZero, bringing together professionals, online and in-person, united by their commitment to revolutionising the construction industry.
With concrete responsible for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, the need for urgent, collective action is clear. The discussions at this event were both energising and sobering, as we tackle the twin challenges of implementing low-carbon concrete solutions while grappling with the realities of project viability.
As Peyrouz Modarres, our Director of ESG, noted in his opening remarks, the balance between sustainability and viability is anything but straightforward. However, gatherings like this demonstrate the power of “impatient collaboration” – a mix of urgency and shared effort that’s essential for creating meaningful change.
Turning Vision into Action: ConcreteZero’s mission is simple but ambitious
1. Make 100% of concrete used net zero by 2050
2. With an interim target of 30% low-carbon concrete use by 2025 and 50% by 2030
These targets are more than aspirational – they are achievable, but only through strong leadership and industry-wide collaboration.
By committing to ConcreteZero, organisations signal their dedication to reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s most-used materials. At this event, it was clear how essential this initiative is to accelerate innovation and making sustainable concrete accessible across the supply chain.
Walsh Introduction to ConcreteZero Quarterly Meeting
The Challenge of Viability
Concrete production is under intense scrutiny, and for good reason: it is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. Yet adopting low-carbon alternatives comes with its challenges.
Manufacturers face the technical and financial hurdles of creating low-carbon materials, while contractors and developers are under immense pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget. As Peyrouz noted, viability remains a major barrier:
“Sustainability shouldn’t come at an additional cost, but for now, it often does. Low-carbon solutions are frequently only accessible to those with surplus resources or those who directly benefit from them.
Changing this dynamic is critical to ensuring sustainability is a standard, not a privilege. ConcreteZero is addressing this head-on by fostering partnerships that align sustainability goals with economic realities. It’s about creating solutions that work for the entire industry, not just a select few.”
Lessons from the Journey
Reflecting on his decade in sustainability, Peyrouz shared three lessons that highlight both the progress made and the challenges ahead:
- Imagination Drives Progress:
Ten years ago, a gathering like this under the banner of ConcreteZero might have seemed unthinkable. Today, it’s a reality, proving that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with collective ambition and innovation.
- Change Takes Time:
Patience is hard to maintain when the climate crisis demands immediate action. But systemic change doesn’t happen overnight, and people take time to adapt. Acknowledging this reality helps us stay committed and focused.
- Community is Essential:
Sustainability work can feel isolating, particularly when advocating for change in rooms where others prioritise costs and deadlines. Events like this remind us that we are not alone, and that collaboration strengthens our resolve to keep going.
