Concrete Perspectives November – December 2019
CONCRETE NEWS
64. Save the date: BetonTage 2020, February 18-20, Neu-Ulm (Germany)
The BetonTage are Europe’s largest precast congress that provides attendees with a comprehensive knowledge platform by combining the congress program with an industry exhibition. Each year, about 2,000 attendees from 20 countries join this industry gathering at the Edwin-Scharff-Haus Congress Center and thoroughly enjoy the personal touch and pleasant atmosphere at the event. This long-standing congress features a high-profile agenda, renowned speakers and a fully booked exhibition of the engineering, software and supplier industries. Product-specific panels provide key insights into latest trends in concrete technology, manufacturing processes and standardization. BetonTage will offer the opportunity to enable contacts and exchanges between manufacturers and users at the associated exhibition.
The BetonTage are endorsed by BIBM, FBF (Baden-Württemberg Association of Concrete and Precast Plants), FIB (The International Federation for Structural Concrete) and a number of supporters and partners. You can find more information here.
SeRaMCo Project Meeting, November 14-15, Nancy (France)
The latest SeRaMCo group meeting (November 14-15) was organized in Nancy (Institut Jean Lamour, Université de Lorraine). It has been an opportunity for presentations and discussions concerning the developed products, the pilot projects and the strategy to achieve long term effects.
The laboratory Institut Jean Lamour has also been visited, especially equipment allowing advanced characterization of materials used in civil engineering or other fields. Equipment for X-ray diffraction, electronic microcopy analysis and nanomaterials elaboration and characterization under vacuum were presented. In SeRaMCo project, electronic microscope and X-ray diffraction are used for characterization of the recycled aggregates (mineralogical composition), evaluation of their effect on the raw meal (unreacted minerals, free lime, etc.) and study of the properties of the clinkers produced (cement composition, minerals shape, etc.).
Concrete Student Trophy 2019, Vienna (Austria)
The ‘Concrete Student Trophy 2019’ competition is supported by the Association of Austrian Concrete and Precast Plants (VÖB), the Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (GVTB) and the Association of the Austrian Cement Industry (VÖZ) under the expert guidance of Austrian universities. The award ceremony of the 14th edition of the Concrete Student Trophy in Austria took place in Vienna on November 19. The first place with the project named “Donaustern” went to the team: Andreas Rogala (architecture), Lisa Tobisch and Miriam Jäger (civil engineering) from Graz University of Technology. “The team best met the requirements of interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture, minimalist design and civil engineering” the jury argued. The team received prize money of 4,200 euros for the successful design.
The prize is awarded for outstanding projects and seminar papers that have been developed in an interdisciplinary manner and in the design and construction of which concrete plays an essential role. This year, the competition task is the preliminary design of a barrier-free walkway for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Danube Canal in Vienna.
BIBM NEWS
BIBM Congress – five months to go!
We confide in your help to raise awareness within your clients and stakeholders, through organising “national” visits, providing possible exhibitors and sharing the available promotional material.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES/UPDATES:
- Congress Delegate online registration and price list here (early bird until March 15, 2020)
- Download the final program here
- The BIBM Congress 2019’ official slogan: “The Future of European Construction – Precast Excellence in Nordic Countries”
- Twitter BIBM Congress hashtag: #BIBMCongress2020
BIBM Board Meeting, November 12, Dublin (Ireland)
On November 12, the BIBM boards’ group met again, this time in Dublin, Ireland. During the meeting, the Secretariat presented an updated status of the main European policies with an impact to the precast concrete sector. Also, the following topics have been discussed: a possible revision of the Construction Product Regulation, decarbonisation, digitalisation and circular economy – three key topics on the agenda of the new European Commission and their relation to precast, revision of Eurocodes, etc. At the next General Assembly in May 2020, the Secretariat will provide a candidate/s for the next BIBM presidency, as the mandate of Claus Bering come to an end in 5 months.
After the Board Meeting, BIBM held a joint meeting with representatives of the Irish Precast Concrete Industry (IPCA) to discuss areas of mutual interest. You can find more information here.
BIBM would like to thank to Gerry Farrell (IPCA) for a warm welcome!
BIBM Communication Commission, December 5, Brussels
On December 5, the BIBM Communication Commission gathered in Brussels to exchange ideas and discuss topics related to all communication matters at BIBM, as well as future advocacy activities in the European Parliament. The final programme of BIBM Congress 2020 has also been discussed, as well as a possibly new location for BIBM Congress 2022. Among the participants gathered were Dr. Ulrich Lotz (FBF BW, DE), Gernot Brandweiner (VÖB, AT), Stef Mass (FEBE, BE), Ton Pielkenrood (BFBN, NL), Janne Kihula (CFCI, FI), Carsten Friberg (IPHA, DK), Alessio Rimoldi and Magdalena Herbik (BIBM).
BIBM JANUARY – MARCH 2020 AGENDA
| JANUARY | FENRUARY | MARCH |
| 9: EMA European Masonry Alliance Confcall | 3: BIBM AhG Eurocode 2 Confcall | 2: European Concrete Platform Board Meeting Brussels |
| 14-15: RE4 General Assembly and workshop Madrid | 7: BIBM Wastewater Engineering group Confcall | 9: BIBM Technical Commission Confcall |
| 16: NEPSI Technical Committee Meeting on the good practice guide Brussels | 10: ECP TF Health, Environment and Hygiene Confcall | 10: BIBM Environment Commission Brussels |
| 17 AM: BIBM Environment Commission Confcall | 12: CEN/TC 229 WG4 – EP Common Rules Brussels | 12: BIBM Communication Commission Brussels |
| 17 PM: BIBM Board Confcall | 14: INDUSTRY4EUROPE Plenary session Brussels | 17: Concrete Initiative “A Green Deal for European Cities” 2020 Concrete Dialogue Brussels |
| 21: CPE CPR implementation Brussels | 18-21: BetonTage Congress Neu-Ulm, Germany | 17: VEEP General Assembly Hoorn (NL) |
| 21: INDUSTRY4EUROPE Event with the Croatian presidency Brussels | 20: DG ENVI Level(s) conference Brussels | 25-26: SeRaMCo „Precast Concrete in the Circular Economy” Final Conference Kaiserslautern, Germany |
| 24: CEN/TC 229 WG1 – AhG on HAS consultant report Brussels | 30: CEN/TC 229 WG5 – Product category rules for concrete Brussles | |
| 31: BIBM Board Meeting Brussles |
BIBM PARTNERS NEWS
INDUSTRY4EUROPE issued its new Joint Paper
On Tuesday, November 26, the Industry4Europe coalition has issued its new Joint Paper ‘A long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future: from words to action’. Through cross-sectoral recommendations, the Industry4Europe coalition contributes to the future EU industrial strategy announced by European Commission President-Elect Ursula von der Leyen. The Joint Paper presents concrete industrial policy proposals in seven priority fields: business-friendly policy environment, sustainability at business core, upgraded skills and training, enhanced research and innovation, investment and improved access to finance, reinforcement of the European Single Market and strengthened trade and international market access. BIBM and the 150 industry organizations behind Industry4Europe stand united in their repeated calls for an ambitious and long-term EU industrial strategy that must help Europe remain a hub for a leading, smart, innovative and sustainable industry, that provides quality jobs and benefits all Europeans and future generations.
Read it: here.
NEPSI Council meeting, December 10, Brussels
On Tuesday, December 10, the NEPSI Council reported on the update of the Reporting System, the Guidance document, the status of the NEPSI Roadmap 2018-2023 and elected a new Council that will continue to enhance workers’ health protection. Florence Lumen (IMA-Europe) became a new NEPSI co-chair, replacing Michelle Wyart-Remy.
The aim of the roadmap is to promote the NEPSI Agreement as an important instrument to complement regulatory measures. If you want to know more about this unique initiative, please visit www.nepsi.eu.
EUROPEAN CONCRETE PLATFORM 38th Board Meeting, Brussels
On Tuesday, November 26, the European Concrete Platform (ECP) held their 38th Board meeting in Brussels. Representatives of BIBM, CEMBUREAU, ERMCO (ready-mixed concrete) and EFCA (admixtures) met together to discuss issues such as: the European Green Deal, digitalisation of the construction sector (DigiPlace), sustainable concrete, or EU Building Level(s) assessment framework.
A new date for the next 2020 edition of “the Concrete Dialogue” (organized by the Concrete Initiative) has also been announced – 17 March 2020, 12:30-14:30, European Parliament, Brussels. The event named “A Green Deal for European Cities” will focus on how the new European Commission Green Deal can foster cities’ efforts to develop a sustainable built environment. To register your interest in attending, please contact events@theparliamentmagazine.eu.
The next ECP Board Meeting will take place in March 2, 2020.
LIVE FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
The European Green Deal plan unveiled
On Wednesday (December 11), the European Commission (EC) launched a Green Deal – a three-decade effort to make the EU climate neutral by 2050, outlining a long list of policy initiatives. As Ursula von der Leyen said: “This is Europe’s man on the moon moment”, vowing to “leave no-one behind” in the race to achieve a climate neutral economy. The policy is aimed at meeting the goals of the Paris climate agreement and is a recognition of the growing importance of climate change for European industry, trade and politics. A climate law (the flagship Green Deal initiative to be presented in March 2020) will ensure that all EU policies contribute to the climate neutrality objective (the EC plans to review every EU law and regulation). This will start with the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive, but also the Emissions Trading Directive. Carbon-intensive industries like steel, cement and textiles, will also focus the attention under the new circular economy plan (tabled in March 2020, with aim to use less materials, and ensure products can be reused and recycled). The key objective is to prepare for “clean steelmaking” using hydrogen by 2030. A housing renovation programme, aimed at reducing energy consumption of buildings, is also meant to be one of the flagship programmes of the Green Deal.
COP25 ends with no deal on carbon markets
Climate negotiations at the UN conference in Madrid (COP25) ended on Sunday (15 December) with a partial agreement that asks countries to enhance their targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – aiming to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement objectives. But almost 200 countries failed to agree on article six of the Paris Agreement, concerning the carbon markets system. The European Union (except for Poland), pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Delegates agreed to enhance emissions cutting plans. But they failed to agree on clear targets, rules for carbon markets or financing for poorer nations to adapt and respond to climate change. All these issues are being pushed to the next round of talks in Glasgow in 2020 (COP26, November 9-20).
The European Parliament signs 2020 EU budget deal, boosts spending on climate action
On November 27, the EU budget for 2020 has been formally adopted by the European Parliament (by the Council on November 25). Next year’s budget will mainly focus on growth and competitiveness, climate action and other EU priorities, such as security and management of migration. Total commitments amount to €168.7 billion, increasing the 2019 budget to 1.5%. Total payments are set at €153.6 billion, rising 3.4% from 2019. The EU has targeted to dedicate at least 20% of EU expenditure to climate protection in the period 2014-2020. To help to meet this goal, the EP secured an increase of over €500 million on investments to protecting the climate in the next year’s EU budget. The budget is the last annual spending plan of the EU’s seven-year budget, running from the start of 2014 to the end of 2020. The EU’s next seven-year budget will span from 2021 to 2027 and on-going negotiations between member states are tough. Climate action is at the core of the discussions as Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic demand additional funding to transition their economies away from carbon-intensive energy sources in exchange for agreeing to the EU’s 2050 net zero emissions target.
EU countries reject green finance law in setback for climate goals
The European Union states have rejected a set of rules governing which financial products can be called “green” and “sustainable”, an EU official said. EU legislators on Thursday (December 5) reached a provisional agreement on rules meant to clarify what counts as “green” finance. The agreement of the European Parliament, Council and Commission stands to be a crucial step in raising the money needed to meet the bloc’s climate goals. The Commission has big plans for the taxonomy. It will be the basis for an EU standard for green bonds and for an ecolabel for retail investment products, as part of the green financing strategy. It may also be used to facilitate banks’ loaning to green projects — something the EC is considering as part of its review of banks’ capital requirements. But France, UK, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovenia opposed the deal, fearing it would prevent investments in nuclear and coal projects from being labeled as green.
The taxonomy is considered a key pillar of the ‘green strategy’ as it could increase funding for renewable energies and other green projects while tackling so-called “greenwashing”, whereby firms boost their green credentials without merit. Talks with the European Parliament should resume in coming days with the aim of finding a deal before the end of the year, the official added.
UPDATE: Lawmakers in the European Parliament have approved a compromise on the proposed sustainable finance rulebook.
OUTSTANDING PRECAST CONCRETE PROJECTS
FEBE Elements Awards 2019
The Belgian Precast Concrete Federation awards each year the FEBE Elements Awards for the most prestigious precast concrete projects of the past year from Belgium.
Finalists of the FEBE Elements Awards Competition:
Precast in Buildings 2019
Huis van Lorreinen – Mechelen
Architect: dmvA architecten bvba
Contractor: Van Poppel Bouwbedrijf nv
Engineering office: Util Struktuurstudies cvba
Client: City of Mechelen
Prefab elements: O.M.G. Prefabbeton bvba
Precast in Structures 2019
Ilot-C-project, Cloche d’Or’ – Luxemburg
Architect: Fabeck Architectes – Schemel&Wirtz Architectes Associés
Contractor: CRC (Association CBL / Rizzani de Eccher / CIT Blaton)
Engineering office: S.G.I. – Archest – Sitlux
Client: LCO1 – LCO2 sa
Prefab Elements: Ets. E. Ronveaux sa – Ergon nv
Precast in Infrastructure 2019
Herinrichting Zilverberkstraat – Leeuwerikstraatn – Turnhout
Contractor: Van Geel Wegenbouw bvba
Engineering office: Technum Tractebel Engineering nv
Client: Aquafin nv – City of Turnhout
Prefab Elements: Tubobel Aqua nv – Martens Beton nv
Precast in Landscape 2019
Stadspark De Motten, Tongeren
Designer: Sweco Belgium nv
Contractor: BAM Contractors nv
Engineering office: Sweco Belgium nv
Client: City of Tongeren – Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij – Fluvius
Prefab Elements: Ebema nv
Outstanding Precast in Flexibility 2019
“Möbius Tower” -Brussels
Architect: Assar Architects scrl
Contractor: Interbuild nv
Engineering office: VK Engineering nv
Client: Immobel bvba
Prefab Elements: Ergon nv – Prefaco nv
Source: FEBE Elements Awards 2019