Low-Carbon Concrete Footpath Pouring in Practice

This video is one of a suite of practical resources developed by the Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA) to support the delivery of low‑carbon concrete in real‑world projects; in this instance, a live project delivered on a City of Newcastle footpath at Curley Road, Broadmeadows (NSW).

To enable a clear, real‑world comparison, two concrete mixes were placed on the same asset: a business‑as‑usual (BAU) concrete mix, and a lower‑embodied‑carbon alternative. Both mixes were specified to meet the same performance requirements and were placed, finished and cured using the same on‑site practices.

Embodied carbon performance was assessed using supplier Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), comparing the lower‑carbon mix against the supplier’s usual BAU reference mix. The supplier also provided written confirmation regarding end‑of‑life recyclability.

The lower‑carbon mix achieved an approximate 20-23% reduction in upfront embodied carbon for this project, while meeting normal strength, durability and workability requirements.

Key takeaway: when projects are set up, specified and verified properly, low‑carbon concrete can be delivered using the same on‑site practices as conventional concrete.

For more information and resources, visit the MECLA website.

This project was delivered by MECLA in collaboration with the City of Newcastle. The project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources through SmartCrete CRC.