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
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building 2024 judges choice winner
Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.
CIOB Art of Building 2024 public choice winner
Fresco School by Roman Robroek.
HE expands finance alliance to boost SME house building
Project follows on from Habiko public-private place making pension partnership for affordable housing delivery.
Licensing construction; looking back to look forward
Voluntary to required contractors (licensing) schemes.
A contractor discusses the Building Safety Act
A brief to the point look at changes that have occurred.
How orchards can influence planning and development.