US: Vulcan Materials has secured approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for its upcoming aggregates quarry in Comal County. The approval is based on the company’s water quality protection plan for the 607 hectare site situated in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, which supplies water to 2 million people. The plan involves the use of vegetation strips, berms and flood plain areas, while excavating a total 387 hectare (64%) of the site in nine successive stages.

Vulcan Materials said that it plans to operate the site in a ‘safe, socially and environmentally responsible’ manner, and will ‘protect and conserve’ water.

Singapore: Pan-United Corporation has introduced a Sany electric-powered concrete mixer truck into its fleet. The truck has a 350kWh battery with a peak power of 360kW and a two-hour charging time. The move will reduce the CO₂ emissions per journey by 45%, in line with Pan-United Corporation’s goal of net zero ready-mix concrete production and distribution by 2050.

Pan-United Corporation CEO Ken Loh said "Pan-United is excited to welcome electric vehicles into Singapore’s built environment industry. We hope to eventually operate a substantial fleet of electric concrete mixer trucks for our day-to-day operations. This step marks an exciting new venture in exploring alternative fuel technology and a deepening commitment to accomplish Pan-United’s aim of being a carbon-neutral ready-mix concrete company by 2050."

US: Heidelberg Materials North America has won up to US$5m from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the development of a web-based tool to generate environmental product declarations (EPDs) for ready-mix concrete and other building materials. The finances are part of a total US$160m in EPA funding for the decarbonisation of building materials.

Heidelberg Materials North America president and CEO of Chris Ward said "With this funding, Heidelberg Materials can accelerate the push for more sustainable construction materials and transparency across the industry, while also helping our customers make more informed decisions when choosing products with a lower carbon footprint."

New Zealand: Recycling company Central Environmental has secured a US$972,000 grant from the Ministry for the Environment. Local press has reported that the grant will go towards a US$2.43m expansion of its construction and demolition materials recycling operations. The company says that this will allow it to expand its footprint across southern and central North Island.

Managing director Ian Butcher said that the company has diverted 60 – 70% of parent company Central Demolition’s waste from landfill. It processes 80,000t/yr of concrete into materials for roadbuilding.