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CQ Blog: Buildings are not coke cans

21 Mar 2016

As we gear up for Ecobuild, I can’t help wondering where the next game-changing idea will come from, with sustainability now such a confirmed part of the mainstream. A burning issue being discussed in Europe is the “circular economy”, the ideal of a world in which everything is recycled and nothing is wasted. For construction, this would be a seismic change.

Concrete Considerations for Offsite Construction

01 Mar 2016

The versatility of concrete means that it can be designed and constructed to deliver high performance buildings through a spectrum of solutions ranging from onsite cast concrete, onsite build using factory made blocks, through to offsite manufactured two dimensional panels and volumetric units. When considering offsite solutions there are additional benefits offered by the use of precast concrete for offsite construction compared to other systems.

Concrete and the Carbon Challenge

20 Jan 2016

Guy Thompson explains how The Concrete Centre responds to the challenges and many enquiries about the sustainability performance of concrete and how the industry is committed to a holistic measure of sustainability thus enabling designers and specifiers to produce evermore sustainable solutions.

CQ Blog: Food for thought

11 Nov 2015

Elaine Toogood compares environmental product declarations (EPDs) to food labelling. If only establishing environmental impact was as simple and irrefutable as analysing salt or calorie content.

CQ Blog: What about the last-time buyer

27 Aug 2015

The need for more housing is unquestionable and the shortage of housing for the over 50s is equally so, especially as it is forecast that the amount of over-85s is set to double by 2030.

Concrete Gravity Foundations - Achieving more for less with gravity

17 Mar 2015

A number of independent reports have stated that there are significant benefits to be gained from using concrete gravity bases; in construction, installation and in use. Andrew Minson discusses if the latest installation in the English Channel will be the turning point for this technology in the UK

New Guidance - Concrete and BREEAM

20 Feb 2015

Elaine Toogood explains some of the revisions in BREEAM New Construction and how the new credits for material efficiency and adaptability to climate change are an opportunity to score credits for concrete and masonry buildings.

CQ Blog: Long view of sustainability

10 Feb 2015

Tom De Saulles considers the words ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’. Often used in the same context, but recently with a subtle divergence in their implied meaning