SUSTAINABLE PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

SUSTAINABLE PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Sustainability is a key driver in modern construction, with increasing pressure being put on the industry to reduce carbon emissions, reduce waste, and create durable and environmentally friendly buildings. Precast concrete has a major role to play in sustainable construction, offering a more controlled and efficient process than traditional in-situ concrete.

As one of the UK’s leading concrete manufacturers, FP McCann is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable precast concrete structural elements that help architects, main contractors, and sub-contractors meet strict environmental targets.

From improved material efficiency to reduced on-site emissions, our precast concrete solutions are designed to support the transition toward a more sustainable built environment.

GET IN TOUCH

TECHNICAL DOWNLOADS

SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE

One of the primary environmental benefits of precast concrete is its ability to lower the carbon footprint of construction projects, giving your project green credentials.

Unlike in-situ concrete, which requires extensive formwork, transportation of materials, and high energy consumption on-site, precast concrete is manufactured in a controlled factory setting, minimising waste and optimising material usage.

Additionally, precast elements are produced using innovative mix designs that incorporate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash, which significantly reduce embodied carbon.

By using local supply chains and reducing on-site construction time, precast concrete also cuts down on transportation-related emissions, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

Precast concrete manufacturing is inherently more energy efficient than on-site pouring techniques. Our manufacturing facilities are designed to maximize energy efficiency, incorporating automated production lines that reduce energy waste and improve process control.

Precast concrete’s high thermal mass properties also increase building energy efficiency by tempering internal temperatures and minimising heating and cooling system demands. This translates into reduced operating carbon emissions, a critical component of sustainable construction initiatives.

Construction sustainability is more than carbon emission reduction, as waste reduction and improvements in circular economy principles are involved. Precast concrete manufacturing generates minimal waste, as any excess material can be recycled and reintegrated into production.

Offcuts, excess concrete, and formwork components are reused or repurposed, and minimal waste is permitted. Furthermore, at the completion of its life cycle, precast concrete members can be recycled into aggregate form when crushed, decreasing the need for virgin raw materials and enabling a more sustainable built environment.

Precast concrete sustainability benefits
What makes precast concrete a sustainable building material
What makes precast concrete a sustainable building material

TYPES OF SUSTAINABLE PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Precast concrete is a sustainable and versatile option for numerous structural applications. By optimising material use and enhancing performance, making them an excellent option for reduced environmental impact without sacrificing the strength and durability that modern construction demands

PRECAST CONCRETE WALLS AND PANELS

FP McCann’s range of precast concrete walling solutions, including retaining walls, solid walls, and prestressed cantilever panels. They offer a robust and efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.

Manufactured in controlled factory environments, these wall systems ensure high dimensional accuracy, consistent quality, and minimal material waste.

Click here for more information

PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORING SYSTEMS

Our precast concrete flooring systems, including Hollowcore and beam and block flooring, are designed for strength, efficiency, and sustainability. Hollowcore floors, in particular, use significantly less concrete than solid slab alternatives, reducing both weight and embodied carbon without compromising structural integrity.

Click here for more information

PRECAST OFF-SITE BUILDING PRODUCTS

Our range of off-site precast building products, including stair flights, landings, lift shafts, and structural frames; enable fast, efficient assembly while significantly improving sustainability outcomes.

These products are manufactured off-site in a quality-controlled environment, which dramatically reduces on-site disruption, material waste, and construction-related emissions.

Click here for more information

CONCRETE ROOF TILES

FP McCann manufactures high-quality concrete roof tiles in a range of profiles and colours, offering a durable, cost-effective roofing solution that supports sustainable construction practices.

Our production methods prioritise sustainability, incorporating efficient batching systems and minimising waste throughout the process.

Click here for more information

SUSTAINABLE PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS FROM FP MCCANN

Concrete production is responsible for a significant proportion of worldwide CO₂ emissions, and the majority of this is related to cement production.

Precast concrete does, nevertheless, offer a number of benefits in minimising such emissions. Firstly, precast units generate fewer site deliveries than in-situ concrete, decreasing the carbon footprint from transport. Secondly, precast elements can incorporate low-carbon cement alternatives, such as Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash, which lower the overall CO₂ footprint.

FP McCann is actively investing in innovative cement blends and carbon capture technologies to further enhance the sustainability of precast concrete products.

PRECAST CONCRETE AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Construction sustainability is not only about emission reduction – it is also about resource conservation and minimisation of waste. Precast concrete aligns with the principles of the circular economy by offering durability, recyclability, and minimal waste generation.

Precast structures have a longer lifespan compared to traditional materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements. At the end of a building’s life cycle, precast components can be dismantled, repurposed, or crushed for use as aggregate in new concrete production.

FP McCann operates on a zero-waste principle, with everything created being re-used or re-cycled within the supply chain.

Precast concrete sustainability benefits

SUSTAINABLE PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS FROM FP MCCANN

FP McCann operates 14 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities strategically placed throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland which enables us to service the construction sector with precast concrete efficiently.

FP McCann are one of the UK and Ireland’s leading precast concrete manufacturers, and have built our 45 year reputation on a foundation of excellence, innovation, and reliability.

Indeed, we have a new £30m state-of-the art concrete roof tile manufacturing facility built in Cadeby, Leicestershire which uses solar panels to provide 100% of the plant’s energy requirement.

Manufacturing of precast concrete in a factory under controlled conditions leads to improved efficiency and reduced wastage to the environment. Our low carbon precast concrete is a product of continuous innovation in materials sourcing, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management. By coupling the latest technologies with sustainable practices, we offer specifiers high-quality precast solutions that help lower the carbon footprint without compromising the strength and dependability one expects from precast concrete.

Our team is approachable, professional, and always ready to provide practical advice and solutions. This focus on customer care is one of the reasons why FP McCann is a trusted name in the construction industry.

Contact our team here at FP McCann today to discuss your project requirements and find out how our precast concrete solutions can help you achieve your goals efficiently and cost-effectively.

VIEW OUR NI / ROI PRODUCTS

VIEW OUR GB PRODUCTS