Techcrete

R&D to Develop Innovative Lower-Carbon Concrete

Company Overview

Techcrete are market leaders in the design, manufacture & supply of precast concrete facades constructed offsite, in the UK & Ireland.

Size: Large

Sector: Hi-Tech Construction

Sustainability Supports: RD&I

Project Objectives

Techcrete has implemented a robust sustainability strategy to reduce operational emissions and enable sustainable production innovation. By utilising Enterprise Ireland’s suite of R&D supports, Techrete, Ireland's largest architectural precast concrete façade specialist, launched an innovative range of sustainable concrete products, targeting a 50% reduction in embodied carbon.

Impact & Results

The development of this new lower-carbon concrete range was the result of a strategic R&D programme, funded by Enterprise Ireland. Techrete’s research explored the potential of alternative cement blends and novel materials to dramatically cut carbon emissions. As part of this innovation push, Techrete embraced the opportunities provided by a revised UK concrete standard (BS 8500 1&2 2023), allowing for the incorporation of lower-carbon materials such as limestone filler, fly ash, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and others.

To bring this innovative product to market and meet growing industry demand, Techrete recognized the need to upgrade its facilities. With support from Enterprise Ireland, the company has invested in a cutting-edge batching plant capable of producing high-performance concrete blends with strengths of up to 100N/mm². This investment ensures Techrete’s ability to scale production of the new mixes, securing its position as a competitive exporter of sustainable building materials.

"Sustainability is not an afterthought in construction; it’s a driving force behind procurement decisions. Every project now factors in the carbon load of materials, and our new concrete range addresses this demand. Our focus is twofold: reduce the amount of concrete used through the enhanced performance of high-strength mixes, and integrate substantial amounts of cement replacement materials to lower the carbon footprint. Thanks to the support from Enterprise Ireland, we’ve made significant strides in both areas. We are on track to achieving a 50% reduction in embodied carbon by 2025, setting the stage for our ultimate goal of net-zero by 2030.“ 

Marcus Sweeney, Non-Executive Chair of Techrete

Find out more

Explore sustainability supports available to Enterprise Ireland clients: Improve sustainability | Business Support | Enterprise Ireland