Councils can now use 'green' concrete

Local authorities tendering building projects can now specify “low-carbon” concrete, in an effort to reduce the emissions blamed for causing climate change.

The tendering framework applies to 33 local authorities throughout the State with the exception of Dublin City Council, which already operates a similar tendering process.

Cement production is one of the largest industrial sources of carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland. The use of low-carbon concrete could save of up to 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

The new framework will come into effect on January 1st and follows the Government’s action plan for “green” public procurement.