PAS 1401 Favours Low-Carbon Concretes for Marine Use

The construction industry is at a crucial turning point. With climate change and ecological preservation at the forefront of global discussions, the British Standards Institution BSI is proposing a new standard — PAS 1401 — that focuses on prioritising nature-based solutions to support a healthy ocean environment. Currently out for consultation, this new standard serves as a significant indicator of the industry’s shift from traditional materials towards those with a lesser environmental impact. It emphasises a data-driven approach in the battle against climate change.

A Step Forward for Sustainable Marine Construction

PAS 1401 is more than just another standard; it’s a roadmap for integrating sustainable practices into marine construction. This Publicly Available Specification (PAS) provides detailed recommendations on how to design marine nature-inclusive structures that positively merge with the marine environment. It also outlines practical steps for planning, implementing, and decommissioning these structures responsibly.

Key Areas Covered by PAS 1401

Nature-Inclusive Design

• Core principles of nature-inclusive design.
• Integration with sustainable planning practices like Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Marine Net Gain (MNG).Emerging practices such as Net Positive Impact (NPI) and natural capital approaches.

Ecological Efficacy

• Assessing the ecological performance of nature-inclusive structures.
• Recommendations for augmenting structures with habitat-forming species to restore biogenic habitats.

Sustainable Concrete Solutions

• Advocating for low-carbon, carbon-neutral, or even carbon-negative concrete options.
• Guidance on using lower-carbon concrete adhering to contemporary sustainability practices, which evaluate resource conservation, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction and social responsibility.

Why Low-Carbon Concrete Matters

Concrete is often seen as an environmental villain due to its high carbon footprint. However, PAS 1401 sets a new standard by advocating for lower-carbon concrete made with alternative binder systems, following BSI Flex 350 v1 guidelines. Suppliers are required to provide a validated carbon footprint, ensuring their products meet stringent emissions reporting standards and achieve an embodied CO2 rating not greater than benchmark rating A for the relevant strength class according to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) low-carbon concrete routemap. This not only reduces the harmful environmental impact of concrete production but also encourages the use of recycled aggregates, locally sourced materials and waste-derived materials promoting circular practices, and further reducing carbon emissions.

Tom Birbeck, Founder and CEO of ARC Marine® and leader of the PAS 1401 committee, stated,

“As we transition to a renewable energy future it is imperative that we do that with the environment front of mind.”

“There is no point in building nature-inclusive designs and nature enhancement features without thinking about materials as a fundamental component.”

“To have nature-based designs that are carbon intensive are counterintuitive in our fight against climate change.”

“We invited Material Evolution’s Chief Scientific Officer, Prof. David Hughes, to join the PAS 1401 committee due to his expertise in ultra-low carbon cement technology. His understanding of the cement industry and knowledge of concrete products—both those currently available and those ready for large-scale production. Pioneering companies, like Material Evolution who bring ultra-low cement to the market at scale, empower companies like ARC Marine to develop nature-enhancing solutions without the burden of excessive carbon emissions.”

Expert Insights

Our Chief Scientific Officer, Prof. David Hughes, has played a pivotal role in the development of PAS 1401. He remarks, “This new standard reflects the industry’s dedication to sustainability. It paves the way for significant transformation, steering us away from traditional materials towards more environmentally friendly alternatives.”

“The significance of PAS 1401 and BSI Flex 350 cannot be overstated. These codes of practice empower companies like Material Evolution to compete based on performance equivalency and specifications of their products, rather than being hindered by outdated norms. It has taken time, but standards are evolving to meet industry demands and address the climate emergency, providing us with an opportunity to achieve net-zero targets while prioritising what benefits the natural environment over conventional practices.”

“We are already working with our partners to develop and implement the principles of PAS 1401. Material Evolution is not only seeking to set a new standard for environmental responsibility but also pioneering innovative solutions that reduce our carbon footprint and enhance the durability of our infrastructure”.

“PAS 1401 perfectly aligns with our pioneering alkali-fusion technology, enabling us to push the boundaries of sustainable concrete for increased durability and embedding bio-enhancing features”.

Applicability Across Various Sectors

PAS 1401 is designed to be versatile. It applies to any structure or set of structures placed in marine environments during construction projects. This includes the modification or enhancement of existing man-made structures already located in the marine environment. As the marine construction industry continues to grow, the relevance of such standards becomes increasingly vital. Examples of applications include marine platforms, offshore wind farms, breakwaters, and other coastal protection systems.

The Future of Marine Construction

The development of PAS 1401 is a monumental step toward sustainable marine construction. By prioritising low-carbon materials and nature-inclusive designs, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact while promoting biodiversity and ecological health.

The marine construction industry, especially offshore wind projects, is experiencing swift expansion across Europe and around the globe. These advancements are vital for sustainable energy production and environmental conservation, with the potential to transform electricity supply along coastlines. Furthermore, as seaborne trade continues to grow, governments worldwide are investing in the expansion and modernisation of ports. This presents an ideal opportunity for the marine construction industry to embrace PAS 1401 and contribute to a more sustainable future.

PAS 1401 is just one example of how standards can drive positive change in industries. As society becomes increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change, there is a growing demand for environmentally-friendly practices. Standards like PAS 1401 provide a framework for implementing these practices, ensuring consistency and accountability.

We encourage all stakeholders to review the PAS 1401 during its consultation phase. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping a future where marine construction and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand.

For more information and to participate in the consultation, click here.

Let’s build a better future, together.