CEMEX expands ReadyBlock Zero portfolio to provide the first complete CarbonNeutral® concrete block solution in the UK

Combined with the existing ReadyBlock Zero dense block, this launch enables customers to meet the concrete block requirements for housing and commercial developments using solely CarbonNeutral® products. CEMEX remains the only UK supplier to offer a fully net zero concrete block option.

This provides developers with the opportunity to dramatically decrease the carbon footprint of their construction projects. An average three-bedroom home uses 3,500 concrete blocks to build, which, when using traditional products, equates to a total emissions rate of 14,000 kg/CO2e. This is the equivalent of a person on a plane travelling 2.4 times round the earth. Using ReadyBlock Zero and ReadyBrick Zero products would reduce the CO2e by around 70% so would take this down to around 4,200 kg – a significant reduction in emissions, especially if used for multiple buildings in one development. The remaining or residual CO2e would then be offset.

ReadyBlock Zero Light and ReadyBrick Zero Common Brick are zero carbon concrete products which look identical to traditional concrete blocks and bricks, with the only difference being that they embody up to 80% less carbon, with the remaining carbon offset to make a CarbonNeutral product, in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. To do this CEMEX is working with Natural Capital Partners, an award-winning expert on carbon neutrality and climate finance, that is harnessing the power of business to create a more sustainable world.

The ReadyBlock Zero range is part of CEMEX’s VERTUA family of low carbon and sustainable Urbanisation Solutions and is available for projects across the UK, ahead of the Government’s Future Homes Standard – when all new homes must produce 75-80% less carbon emissions by 2025. 

Carl Platt, Urbanisation Solutions Director of Asphalt, Paving and Building Products for Europe, commented: “The initial launch of our ReadyBlock Zero dense concrete block was very well received, with customers asking us to expand our range further to include lightweight and common brick options. I’m proud of the way we have quickly responded to feedback and now offer these two additional products nationwide. Together, they can present significant savings on emissions – imagine how much of a difference could be made to the carbon footprint of the construction industry if the ReadyBlock Zero and ReadyBrick Zero products were used for every new home built!”
  
CEMEX’s Climate Action strategy aims to lead the way in the construction industry and has an overall global ambition of delivering net zero carbon emissions in concrete by 2050. CEMEX Urbanisation Solutions is constantly innovating to provide customers with a broad range of sustainable solutions for the challenges of urbanisation, with a central focus at all times on the Future In Action strategy - committed to Net Zero CO2. 

CEMEX R&D, Innovation and Business Development projects are part of the global R&D collaboration network, headed by CEMEX Research Centers, based in Switzerland

For more information about our low carbon concrete bricks, visit: https://www.cemex.co.uk/low-carbon-masonry-blocks  

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Notes to Editors: 

CEMEX announced its Climate Action strategy; ‘Future in Action – Committed to Net Zero CO2’ in February 2020, and as part of this, by 2030 it plans:
•    To be below 475kg of CO2 per ton of cementitious material, equivalent to a 40% reduction*
•    To reduce the carbon content per cubic meter of concrete to 165kg, equivalent to a 35% reduction*
•    To reach 55% in clean energy consumption

* According to our 1990 baseline

About CEMEX:
CEMEX is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. CEMEX is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. CEMEX is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the use of new technologies. 
CEMEX offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience, enabled by digital technologies. For more information please visit: www.cemex.com 

About Natural Capital Partners 
Natural Capital Partners works with clients to combine business success with positive impact on the environment and society. Through collaboration with global project partners, the development of innovative solutions, and understanding the specific goals of its clients, the company delivers programmes for renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, enabling water stewardship and protecting biodiversity. The company was founded 20 years ago and has more than 300 clients in 34 countries.
The CarbonNeutral Protocol was created and is managed by Natural Capital Partners. It was the first clear set of guidelines for businesses to achieve carbon neutrality back in 2002, and every year since then Natural Capital Partners has continued its commitment to providing a robust framework for credible carbon neutral action. It is reviewed annually with input from the Advisory Council to ensure it reflects the latest developments in emissions measurement and reductions. For further information, please visit: naturalcapitalpartners.com