How to Choose Aggregates for Net Zero Projects
At a Glance
Aggregate selection plays a significant role in reducing embodied carbon in UK net-zero construction projects.
By prioritising recycled aggregates over virgin materials and considering sourcing, processing and transport impacts, projects can lower whole-life carbon emissions, support the circular economy and improve compliance with emerging sustainability standards.
Aggregates for Net-Zero Projects
The UK construction industry is under growing pressure to reduce and manage its carbon emissions and deliver more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. In a race to meet the UK’s net-zero goals, the focus is on organisations to ensure the project materials they use have lower carbon emissions while meeting standards.
With a greater focus on the circular economy and embodied carbon, recycled aggregates are set to play a central role in the procurement of materials for future construction projects. But it’s important to remember that emissions are also generated during extraction, processing and transportation, further increasing the overall carbon footprint.
With large volumes of aggregates central to any construction project, the focus is on selecting the right type to manage a project’s environmental impact.
Through this guide, understand how you can make the right aggregate choices for net-zero projects in the UK.
Why Aggregate Choice Is Crucial for Net-Zero Construction Projects
Aggregates are a core component of concrete, asphalt, sub-bases and drainage layers. Because aggregates are chosen in the project’s early stages and in large volumes, choosing lower-carbon alternatives can make a significant difference.
A Whole Life Carbon Assessment considers emissions across a structure’s complete lifecycle, from material extraction to end-of-life.
This means your aggregate choice directly impacts:
- Upfront embodied carbon in concrete and infrastructure projects
- BREEAM Mat 01 (Life Cycle Impacts) scores, which reward selecting low-carbon materials when supported by Whole Life Carbon assessment data
- PAS 2080 assessment, which promotes carbon reduction through the use and sourcing of efficient materials.
Choosing low-carbon materials through a sustainable sourcing strategy can considerably reduce total project emissions.
Sustainable Aggregate Types and How to Choose Them
For net-zero construction projects, consider using low-carbon and recycled aggregates instead of virgin aggregates. This approach not only reduces carbon impact but also aids compliance with emerging UK standards.
Virgin Aggregates vs Recycled Aggregates
Sourced directly from quarries, virgin aggregates have higher embodied carbon as they are extracted and processed.
Recycled aggregates, on the other hand, are sourced from construction or demolition waste. With no focused extraction, they typically have lower embodied carbon. They’re a suitable choice as a sub-base, fill and for drainage applications when compliant with standards. Moreover, recycled aggregates can support waste-reduction and circular-economy goals.
According to the Mineral Products Association’s 2023 report, over 70 million tonnes of demolition, construction and excavation waste were recycled or reused in 2022. This amounts to 30% of all aggregate used, making the UK a leader in aggregate recycling, further driven by sustainability commitments.
At Middleton Aggregates, we supply the following recycled aggregates for use as a sub-base:
Screened Asphalt Planings
Screened asphalt planings are sourced from road resurfacing projects and screened at 60mm for dust. They can be used to build driveways, compounds or to reinstate farm tracks.
Crushed Asphalt
This recycled aggregate is sourced from demolition works from processed asphalt and concrete. It is graded at 60mm down to dust. It is ideal as a construction sub-base material.
Crushed Concrete
This aggregate is sourced from concrete used in demolition work, then crushed, screened and graded to 0-60mm. It is widely used for a variety of construction applications across East Anglia.
Crushed Brick
Crushed brick is produced by crushing, screening and grading brick rubble from demolition sites to meet the 6F5 specification. It’s commonly used as a capping layer, a roadway base or a piling mattress.
Multiple studies have shown that concrete made with recycled aggregates can significantly lower carbon emissions compared with producing and using conventional aggregates. Therefore, using them can be well-suited to net-zero construction.
Recycled aggregates can support higher sustainability scores in environmental assessments such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
If you’re looking for more information on our recycled aggregates range, call 01553 841044 or fill out our enquiry form.
Questions to Ask Suppliers Before Sourcing Aggregates
- Where are the aggregates sourced and processed?
- Does the aggregate meet UK performance standards?
- How is waste managed and recycled within the supply chain?
- What is the embodied carbon per tonne of the material?
Support a Sustainable Aggregate Sourcing Strategy with Middleton Aggregates
Selecting aggregates for net-zero projects is an important decision. For UK net-zero projects, it’s crucial for buyers and specifiers to understand carbon data, sourcing distance and material suitability to achieve whole-life sustainability targets.
If you’re looking for low-carbon alternatives for your net-zero projects, we can help.
Based in King’s Lynn in Norfolk, MiddAggs is a renowned supplier with over 40 years of experience in the construction sector. Our team is ready to offer expert advice on selecting suitable recycled aggregates for your net-zero construction project. We serve Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and the wider UK.
When you choose us as your aggregate supplier, expect high-grade materials and friendly, reliable service. Call 01553 841044 or fill out our enquiry form to discuss your requirements.
