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…

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.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter

Frank McDonald

Frank McDonald

Frank McDonald, a contributor to The Irish Times, is the newspaper's former environment editor