JN Bentley makes low-carbon concrete commitment

A new advance market commitment (AMC) has been announced, designed to speed up the development and commercialisation of the next generation of UK concrete innovations and their adoption.

Launched by Innovate UK and Carbon Limiting Technologies, the new AMC will unlock investment and help innovators transition from prototype to full scale production much faster.

Regional technical leader at JN Bentley, Chris Bolton, signs the advance market commitment

Together with UK construction and engineering company JN Bentley, the first signatories of the AMC include:

• Mott MacDonald

• Scottish Water

• Heathrow

• AtkinsRealis UK

• Derwent London

• Ramboll

• Buro Happold

• BAM

Included in the Government’s Autumn Budget, the programme – funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) – looks to secure commitments for up to 500,000 cubic metres of new, low-carbon concrete. This approach will enable earlier carbon savings and faster cost reductions, positioning the UK as a world leader in next-gen construction materials and techniques.

Dr Stafford Lloyd, innovation lead, clean growth strategy at Innovate UK, said: "This advance market commitment exemplifies Innovate UK’s mission to drive economic growth by supporting businesses to develop new ideas.

"It is a bold, collaborative effort to create a market for sustainable solutions before they are fully commercialised, sending a clear signal to innovators that their efforts will be met with demand and providing an essential component in unlocking investment in scale-up companies."

Addressing delegates at the launch event, minister for industry, Chris McDonald commented: "We want to make the UK a world-leading producer of reliable, low-carbon cement and concrete. While demand is uncertain and risks are high, we need to do more to back innovation and scale up these new technologies. That’s where Advance Market Commitments are so useful."

With concrete accounting for approximately 8% of all global emissions, these first signatories represent a key step towards decarbonisation within the UK.

Chris Bolton, regional technical leader at JN Bentley added: "As a leading contractor serving the UK water industry and beyond, we recognise the important role JN Bentley has to play in decarbonising construction. The AMC gives us the tools to access verified, low-carbon materials; share risks and rewards with industry peers; and turn commitments into impact-starting with the target of this AMC for 500,000m³ of next generation low-carbon concrete."

To learn more and get involved, visit the programme page on the Innovate UK website.

Article adapted from Innovate UK statement.

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