Ground granulated blast-furnace slag
Low Carbon Concrete Routemap, Setting the agenda for a path to net zero, draft for consultation published by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2021, defines ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as: ‘An SCM (Secondary Cementitious Materials) whose main use is in concrete as a Portland cement replacement to help reduce permeability and improve durability. It is a by-product from the blast-furnaces used to make iron.’
The use of GGBS reduces the amount of Portland cement used in concrete products thus potentially reducing the carbon emissions or embodied carbon associated with use of the product. However the draft research paper 'The efficient use of GGBS in reducing global emissions' written by experts from IStructE, the Institution of Civil Engineers, Climate Group and MPA The Concrete Centre, from 2023 questions the benefits for decarbonisation by revealing that global supplies of GGBS have reached their limit with no significant unused stockpiles or new sources likely to appear.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
CIOB student competitive construction challenge Ireland
Inspiring a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
Challenges of the net zero transition in Scotland
Skills shortage and ageing workforce hampering Scottish transition to net zero.
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.
Attending a conservation training course, personal account
The benefits of further learning for professsionals.
Restoring Alexander Pope's grotto
The only surviving part of his villa in Twickenham.
International Women's Day 8 March, 2025
Accelerating Action for For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets
CIOB warning on Government plans to accelerate housebuilding and development.
Shelter from the storm in Ukraine
Ukraine’s architects paving the path to recovery.
BSRIA market intelligence division key appointment
Lisa Wiltshire to lead rapidly growing Market Intelligence division.
A blueprint for construction’s sustainability efforts
Practical steps to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Timber in Construction Roadmap
Ambitious plans from the Government to increase the use of timber in construction.
ECA digital series unveils road to net-zero.
Retrofit and Decarbonisation framework N9 launched
Aligned with LHCPG social value strategy and the Gold Standard.
Competence framework for sustainability
In the built environment launched by CIC and the Edge.
Institute of Roofing members welcomed into CIOB
IoR members transition to CIOB membership based on individual expertise and qualifications.
Join the Building Safety Linkedin group to stay up-to-date and join the debate.
Government responds to the final Grenfell Inquiry report
A with a brief summary with reactions to their response.