Offer 50% circular alternatives for our concrete products
Over 50% of concrete supplied by Heidelberg Materials UK exceeded our sustainable revenue criteria and we reduced our average kgCO2/m3 by 14kg versus 2021. In addition, we introduced a carbon footprint tool to our quotation system to be more transparent for our customers and provide useful data on the A1-A3 global warming potential of our concrete.
In relation to circularity and reducing our use of virgin aggregate, we supplied concrete incorporating recycled crushed concrete aggregate from one plant and introduced recycled aggregate into two others. We will continue to focus on our low carbon concrete offering and introducing more recycled material options for our customers
Our supporting circular economy commitments
Our progress
Zero non-production waste to landfill
An initial working group has been established in partnership with our national waste provider, Biffa, to develop a waste strategy. We will now prioritise actions to increase the diversion of waste streams from landfill. The level of non-production waste to landfill in 2023 was 5.05%
Nine million tonnes of recycled aggregate processed
We processed 575k tonnes of recycled aggregate.
Development of circular economy strategy to include key milestones and detailed levers for achievement of KPIs (SJ)
A new recycling division has been created within Heidelberg Materials UK to ensure our circular economy strategy can be achieved.
Further circular economy measures
Our progress
Tonnes of demolished concrete received for recycling
We received 22,000 tonnes of concrete for recycling.
Tonnes and percentage of recycled materials used in products
Metrics and definitions around recycled materials used within our products continue to be developed as part of the recycling division strategy.
Tonnes and percentage of recycled materials processed in other applications
Metrics and definitions around recycled materials used within other applications continue to be developed as part of the recycling division strategy.
Tonnes and percentage of non-recyclable materials to landfill
Materials that could not be used and were sent to landfill totalled 551,000 tonnes.
Sustainable revenue
Our headline sustainable revenue commitments
Our progress
Achieve 50% of our gross revenue from sustainable products that are either circular or low carbon
Sustainable low carbon and circular products reporting continues to be developed at group level with the following data available for 2023: Cement: 35% (low carbon) Concrete: 79% (low carbon) Aggregate: 0.24% (circular) Asphalt: not available Data not available at UK level at present
Promoting circularity by recycling, reusing and reducing the use of primary raw materials is crucial to reaching net zero. To facilitate this, we have created a new recycling business line, headed by Managing Director James Whitelaw, as part of our strategy to conserve natural materials and promote the circular economy. Read more
We have invested in a mobile cold recycling mixing plant, which can use both reclaimed and primary aggregate to produce cold mix materials, which provide a lower carbon solution for road construction and maintenance projects. It allows us to complement our existing range of sustainable solutions with the option of cold mix products, saving energy and associated CO2 emissions. Read more
We continued to progress our acquisition of Mick George Limited (MGL) following the acceptance by the Competition and Markets Authority of our remedies to its competition concerns. MGL specialises in recycling and waste management services and the acquisition will significantly strengthen our circular materials offering.
