The Future of Sustainable Construction: RGC in Concrete Block Production
At Real Green Concrete, we are dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally responsible alternatives in construction. As part of this commitment, we recently conducted a trial in Cornwall in collaboration with Oscrete and Denis May & Sons Ltd. The results were overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the viability of RGC as a high-performance, low-carbon replacement for traditional cement in concrete block production.
Watch the video to see the trial in action and how RGC is helping make construction greener!
Why Choose RGC for Concrete Block Manufacturing?
One of the key advantages of RGC is its ability to significantly lower carbon emissions. By replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), RGC reduces carbon dioxide output by at least 68%, making it an environmentally responsible choice. Its use aligns with leading sustainability certifications such as LEED and BREEAM, which encourage the adoption of low-impact materials. Furthermore, RGC is produced using industrial by-products and waste materials, offering a more resource-efficient and cost-effective alternative to OPC.
Energy efficiency is another crucial benefit. Unlike traditional cement production, which relies on high-temperature kilns, RGC is manufactured through a lower-energy process, reducing both natural resource consumption and production costs. Additionally, RGC enhances durability, providing greater resistance to chemical attack, lower permeability, and improved resilience in harsh conditions. These qualities extend the lifespan of concrete blocks, reducing maintenance requirements and further lowering environmental impact.
As regulations tighten across the construction sector, businesses must adopt more sustainable materials to remain compliant. Governments and industry bodies are increasingly prioritising low-carbon solutions, making RGC an ideal choice for forward-thinking companies seeking to meet these evolving standards and their own SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
Real-World Performance: RGC vs OPC
A recent trial at a local manufacturing facility reinforced RGC’s potential as a full replacement for OPC in concrete block production. The trial successfully produced standard concrete blocks using RGC, achieving a strength class of 7.3N, with an average strength of 8.87N recorded after just three days. Additionally, the block weight remained consistent with industry norms at approximately 17.6 kg, proving RGC’s viability as a practical and high-performing alternative.
Beyond its structural performance, and in concrete production, RGC improves workability and flow characteristics while allowing for more flexible setting times. The trial also confirmed that blocks made with RGC exhibited no physical shrinkage, ensuring long-term integrity. These results demonstrate that RGC not only meets but surpasses the performance of traditional OPC, all while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
Industry Growth and Market Potential
The demand for concrete blocks in the UK is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. According to Statista, production volume reached approximately 72.85 million square metres in 2022, reflecting the market’s resilience. Grand View Research reports that, despite occasional fluctuations, the UK concrete block industry generated £3.5 billion in revenue in 2022, with projections indicating growth to £4 billion by 2030. This upward trend underscores the increasing importance of sustainable materials such as RGC in driving future advancements in construction.
Collaborating for a Greener Future
This trial would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Oscrete and Denis May & Sons Ltd, both of whom share our vision for a more sustainable construction industry.
We extend our sincere gratitude to both Oscrete and Denis May & Sons Ltd for their collaboration on this trial. Their dedication to sustainability and openness to exploring innovative materials like RGC demonstrate the power of collective action in driving meaningful industry change.
A Strategic Investment in Sustainability
The construction industry is at a pivotal moment, with an urgent need for sustainable building materials. As demand for greener alternatives continues to rise, RGC presents a compelling investment opportunity. With its ability to cut embodied carbon emissions, reduce water consumption by up to 30%, and lower binder dosage per cubic metre, RGC is poised to become a cornerstone of low-carbon construction.
We invite forward-thinking investors to join us in accelerating the transition towards high-performance, sustainable concrete solutions. With RGC already proving its effectiveness in real-world applications, there has never been a better time to invest in the future of construction. Together, we can build a more resilient, environmentally responsible industry for generations to come.
About Oscrete
Oscrete is a leading manufacturer of high-performance concrete admixtures for precast, ready-mix concrete, and mortars, as well as performance-enhancing solutions for the construction industry. With extensive expertise in concrete technology, Oscrete helps manufacturers optimise workability, durability, and strength in cement-based products.
The Oscrete Concrete division specialises in a wide range of advanced solutions, including super-plasticising admixtures, waterproofing agents, and efflorescence controllers. These innovative products consistently deliver high-value technical solutions, supporting concrete manufacturers across various sectors.
Committed to product excellence and customer success, Oscrete combines cutting-edge formulations with expert technical support. Their highly trained specialists work closely with clients, enabling them to innovate, refine their products, and enhance overall performance, adding measurable value to their business.
About Denis May & Sons Ltd
Denis May & Sons Ltd is a trusted name in concrete block manufacturing, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability by already using 94% secondary aggregates in their products. With decades of experience in the concrete and construction industry, the company has built a strong reputation for producing high-performance concrete blocks that meet the evolving demands of modern construction.
Using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and precision-engineered materials, Denis May & Sons Ltd ensures that their concrete products deliver exceptional strength, durability, and reliability. Their expertise extends across a wide range of applications, supporting infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects with consistently high-quality solutions.
At the core of their success is a customer-focused approach, where technical expertise and industry knowledge drive continuous product improvement. By embracing sustainable innovations like RGC low-carbon concrete, Denis May & Sons Ltd remains at the forefront of environmentally responsible construction, helping to shape a greener, more resilient future for the industry.
