Concrete Perspectives June 2020
CONCRETE NEWS
The Little Green Book of Concrete 2020 Update
2020 “The Little Green Book of Concrete” will receive an update to further emphasize how important precast concrete can be in the battle to reduce constructions impact on the environment. The pocket-sized book outlines what precast concrete can offer to the architects, the engineers, the clients, the financiers and the insurers by summarising around 100 advantages of using the material. The “Little Books” have been so popular that they are translated into multiple languages and accessed across the world. This popularity means that for this update British Precast (the publisher) and BIBM are cooperating to make sure that “The Little Green Book of Concrete” applies Europe wide. Drafting meetings, coordinated by the BIBM Communication Commission “Little Green Book” Working Group, are currently in full swing via video conferencing and we anticipate the book being published in the second half of the year.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic climate change was, and in many ways still is, the greatest challenge our generation faces. We think that precast concrete can make a positive contribution to the sustainability of our planet. “The Little Green Book” will cover a range of topics including precast’s low carbon footprint, resilience to climate change and it’s benefits to the local and regional circular economy.
Meanwhile, check out the current “Little Green Book” here.
BIBM Congress 2020 – book your stand
Same as in the previous years, the BIBM Congress will be accompanied by a comprehensive exhibition by the supplier industry. Around 70 exhibitors, manufacturers of machinery and equipment as well as parts and materials for the manufacture of precast products will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to more than 650 participants – including the exhibitors – from over 40 different nations like Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Russia, USA, to name only a couple of them.
Be part of the BIBM Congress and:
- present your business of tomorrow!
- get new contacts for future business!
- present your brand, products, ideas and new business solutions!
- meet qualified specialists and experts!
- position yourself as a visionary of the concrete industry!
Please click here for more details and registration as an exhibitor and be part of the BIBM Congress 2020 in Copenhagen!
Registered exhibitors can find the Exhibitors’ Handbook here.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.bibmcongress.eu/.
World of Concrete Europe 2021 – book your stand
World of Concrete (WOC) Europe will take place from 19 to 24 April, 2021, at the Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France during INTERMAT, International Exhibition for Construction and Infrastructure. The WOC Europe takes place every three years with a view to bringing together all of the industry’s key players (from specifier to end user) established in the EMEA zone (Europe, Middle East & Africa). Incorporated within INTERMAT under the banner “Concrete the connecting sector”, WOC Europe will bring visitors an exhaustive concrete and stonework offering for the construction sector. Check out your timeline for exhibiting here or book your stand.
BIBM NEWS
Public consultation and feedback
Adapting to climate change – EU strategy
BIBM provided feedback on the European Commission Communication – “Adapting to climate change – EU strategy”. Despite measures to mitigate its effects, climate change is already having serious consequences in Europe and worldwide. Therefore, as part of its Green Deal, the Commission is launching a new strategy to help the EU adapt to the effects. It will focus on: encouraging investment in eco-friendly solutions; climate-proofing the economy; making key infrastructure more resilient; adding climate factors to risk management practice; stepping up prevention & preparedness.
Public consultation – feedback period: 14 May – 20 August, 2020
Construction products – review of EU rules
BIBM is providing feedback on the review of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The CPR lays down EU-wide rules for marketing construction products. This initiative will review these rules. It includes: addressing the issues identified in the 2019 evaluation; improving how the single market for construction products functions. The aim is to unlock the sector’s growth and jobs potential, promote environmental goals as part of the Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, and possibly promote product safety.
Feedback period: 17 June – 19 August, 2020
Energy efficiency in buildings – consultation on ‘renovation wave’ initiative
BIBM provided feedback and responded to the public consultation to the European Commission Communication – “Renovation wave” initiative for the building sector. A high proportion of buildings in the EU are energy inefficient. Finding strategies to change this can lower CO2 emissions, in line with EU climate objectives. The ‘renovation wave’ initiative, part of the EU’s Green Deal, would optimise building renovation across the bloc, including by encouraging investment and financing. This consultation aims to gather stakeholder feedback on the types of buildings the initiative should focus on (social housing, schools and hospitals are already covered).
Public consultation – feedback period: 11 June – 9 July, 2020
European Climate Pact
BIBM responded to the public consultation on the future European Climate Pact. The European Commission’s European Green Deal is the new growth strategy for an EU economy that is sustainable, cleaner, safer and healthier. The engagement of the public is critical to instil a new climate culture, awareness and motivation for climate action, bringing together citizens, industry, civil society and authorities at all levels. To achieve this, the Commission will consult the public and interested stakeholders in order to launch a “Climate Pact” in the 3rd quarter of 2020. The roadmap can be found here.
2030 Climate Target Plan
BIBM responded to the public consultation on the Climate 2030 target action plan. The EU aims to become climate-neutral (net zero greenhouse gas emissions) by 2050. To achieve this, it will propose a cut in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50% to 55% for 2030 from 1990 levels, rather than at least 40% currently, including an amendment to the recently proposed European Climate Law. The initiative will also assess the economic, social and environmental impacts and possible policy measures.
Consultation on the renewed sustainable finance strategy
Building on the 2018 Action Plan on financing sustainable growth, the renewed sustainable finance strategy will provide a roadmap with new actions to increase private investment in sustainable projects and activities to support the different actions set out in the European Green Deal and to manage and integrate climate and environmental risks into our financial system. The initiative will also provide additional enabling frameworks for the European Green Deal Investment Plan.
The aim of this public consultation is to collect the views and opinions of interested parties in order to inform the Commissions renewed strategy on sustainable finance.
Public consultation – feedback period: 8 April – extended to 15 July, 2020
BIBM Environment Commission, 15 June
The BIBM Environment Commission gathered for the third time this year (this time virtually), to discuss the European and national developments in sustainable construction. The upcoming EU strategy on the sustainable built environment has been presented by the Secretariat, that will integrate the Life Cycle Assessment aprroach into public procurement and and raise the recovery targets for construction and demolition waste. The sustainability of construction products will be addressed through the upcoming CPR revision, including introduction of recycled content requirements. Among other things, NEPSI national developments has been discussed as well. The approaching NEPSI Council meeting, to discuss the 2020 Report of indicators, has been postponed from June to December 10, 2020.
The next BIBM Environment Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, 13 October, 2020.
BIBM Congress – November 15 – 17, 2020
Due to the recent COVID-19 developments and in order to protect the health of our participants, exhibitors and speakers, BIBM, host of this years congress, and BCF, the organizer, have decided to reschedule #BIBMCongress2020 to November 15 – 17, 2020.
You can find more information on the 2020 BIBM Congress here.
Registrations for both, stands and tickets, can be made as usual. We are already looking forward to welcoming you in Copenhagen at the end of this year and to enjoy networking and future driven lessons.
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:
- BIBM Congress is rescheduled to November 15-17, 2020
- Congress Delegate online registration and price list here
- Download the final program here
- The BIBM Congress 2020’ official slogan: “The Future of European Construction – Precast Excellence in Nordic Countries”
- LinkedIn and Twitter BIBM Congress hashtag: #BIBMCongress2020 (please follow the hashtag to keep up with related images and posts)
- Learn more about the Speakers and Exhibitors on the Building Congress Forum LinkedIn page here
- Deadline abstract submission for the Speakers: August 21, 2020 (the Speakers are invited to send 1 to 2 pages summary of their presentation to mh@bibm.eu)
- VEEP Final Conference at BIBM Congress (BIBM delegates can choose the option of Workshop in the registration process; the fee for non-delegates is 120 €). Register and find the final agenda here. (Program->VEEP Workshop)
BIBM JULY – SEPTEMBER AGENDA
| JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER |
| 1/2 : CEN/TC 104 SC1 and Plenary Confcall | 24: BIBM AhG Eurocode 2 Confcall | 1: BIBM Wastewater Engineering group Confcall |
| 2: BIBM CC WG Green Book 5-6 Confcall | 14: CEN/TC 229 Plenary meeting Confcall | |
| 6: EU/DG GROW Q&A session on CPR revision Confcall | 28: BIBM Board Brussels | |
| 9: DIGIPlace Information seminar (in French) Confcall | ||
| 10: BIBM CC WG Green Book 6-7 Confcall | ||
| 14: EU/DG CLIMA Webinar on the European Climate Pact | ||
| 14: BIBM CC WG Green Book 7-8 Confcall | ||
| 20: EU/DG GROW Q&A session on CPR revision Confcall |
BIBM PARTNERS NEWS
SeRaMCo nominated for a REGIOSTARS Awards 2020
The SeRaMCo project has been nominated for a REGIOSTARS Awards 2020, a yearly competition organised by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy. It aims at identifying good practices in regional development and highlighting innovative, EU-funded projects, which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions and project managers. SeRaMCo is a nominee in the Sustainable growth: Circular economy for a green Europe category. You are welcome to cast your vote on: https://regiostarsawards.eu/ (deadline: 9 July).
Update: Seramco among the finalists of the REGIOSTARS Awards in a cathegory: “Sustainable growth – Circular economy for a green Europe”. You can cast your vote here until 15 September, 2020!
More information: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/regio-stars-awards/
CPE Annual General Assembly, 18 June
The President of CPE, Cédric de Meeûs, reflected on how the Commission’s work programme embeds the construction sector across several fields of policy making and how the EU Green Deal offers numerous opportunities for the industry to come forward with solutions and proposals. He also mentioned the newly launched Construction 2050 Alliance that now brings together 47 EU associations, and which aims to promote construction and further connect with the European Institutions. During the post-Covid19 recovery discussion, the participants from Austria, the Netherlands, France and Norway exchanged information on the various national approaches to the health crisis and recovery plans. While Jane Gardner (Convenor SWG) reported on the announced EU Sustainable Construction Strategy and Antonio Caballero (ECSPA) talked about the CPR review process.
The General Assembly also approved the associate membership of: European Phenolic Foam Association (EPFA) and European Association for Passive Fire Protection (EAPFP).
Date of the next General Assembly: Brussels, 18th June 2021
The Construction 2050 Alliance officially launched
The new Construction 2050 Alliance was officially launched on 17 June, during the 8th annual meeting of the High-Level Tripartite Strategic Forum of Construction 2020 hosted by DG Grow of the European Commission. The Alliance brings together 47 EU associations from construction products, to contractors, SME’s, building owners, machinery producers, social housing operators, engineers and many more. It is an initiative that comes from Construction Products Europe (CPE), Committee of European Construction Equipment (CECE), European Builders Confederation (EBC) and European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC). The main objectives of the Alliance are to contribute to building the sustainable Europe of tomorrow and to raise the awareness among EU policymakers of the political importance of the construction sector. The first steps include rising visibility of common political priorities of the construction sector within the European Parliament by organizing events with MEPs, as well as organization of meetings of construction stakeholders to discuss political priorities, with the potential participation of representatives of the European Institutions.
LIVE FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
Germany takes over EU presidency
Germany takes over the EU Council’s six-month presidency from Croatia (1 July – 31 December, 2020), under the slogan “Together for Europe’s recovery”. German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) presented plans for reorienting the bloc’s economic policy, signalling Berlin’s commitment towards non-EU countries and confirming its focus on the digital and green economy. Germany wants to secure the European Green Deal from an economic perspective, reduce EU bureaucracy and transform the EU into a “digital powerhouse”. Their programme is also a continuation of the economic stimulus plan presented in early June and the new hydrogen strategy unveiled the following week. The aim is not only to preserve the German and European industrial sector but also to make it more resilient. To achieve this, Germany would be relying on “green hydrogen”. Moreover, Chancellor Angela Merkel urged all 27 EU member states to work towards securing an investment agreement with China, which would be one of the most important international EU economic topic in the coming months.
Focus areas of Germany’s Presidency:
- Overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, plus economic recovery,
- Multiannual Financial Framework,
- Negotiations on the future relationship with the United Kingdom,
- Future topics, including climate protection, digitalisation, Europe’s role in the world.
Find out more about the Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and its programme here.
European Commission invests € 1 billion in innovative clean technology projects
The European Commission is launching the first call for proposals under the Innovation Fund, one of the world’s largest programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies, financed by revenues from the auction of emission allowances from the EU’s Emissions Trading System. The Innovation Fund will finance breakthrough technologies for renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, energy storage, and carbon capture, use and storage. It will provide a boost to the green recovery by creating local future-proof jobs, paving the way to climate neutrality and reinforcing European technological leadership on a global scale. The EU will invest €1 billion (for the period 2020-2030, the Innovation Fund will allocate around €10 billion) in market-ready projects such as clean hydrogen or other low-carbon solutions for energy-intensive industries like steel, cement and chemicals (energy storage, grid solutions, carbon capture and storage, etc.), to lead the way to climate neutrality in 2050.
Projects can apply via the EU Funding and Tenders portal where more details on the overall procedure are available. The deadline for submission of applications to the first stage is 29 October, 2020.
The Innovation Fund aims to create the right financial incentives for companies and public authorities to invest in the next generation of low-carbon technologies and give EU companies a first-mover advantage to become global technology leaders.
European Parliament adopts the Taxonomy Regulation
The European Commission (EC) has welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament of the Taxonomy Regulation on June 18 – a key piece of legislation that will contribute to the European Green Deal by boosting private sector investment in green and sustainable projects.
It will help create the world’s first-ever “green list” – a classification system for sustainable economic activities – that will create a common language that investors can use everywhere when investing in projects and economic activities that have a substantial positive impact on the climate and the environment. By enabling investors to re-orient investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses, this piece of legislation will be instrumental for the EU to become climate neutral by 2050.
As set out in the regulation, the EC will now develop a first set of delegated acts setting out technical criteria that economic activity has to meet to be labelled as environmentally sustainable. In addition, on June 18 the Commission has also launched a call for applications for members of the Platform on Sustainable Finance (deadline – 16 July, 2020). It will assist the Commission in the preparation of technical screening criteria, which will develop the taxonomy further. They will also advise the Commission on the further development of the EU Taxonomy to cover other sustainability objectives and provide advice on sustainable finance more broadly.
OUTSTANDING PRECAST CONCRETE PROJECTS
Jarram & Harris Prince Street Car Park in Bristol, UK
Prince Street in central Bristol is an old street now mostly lined with modern structures. The street’s old Unicorn Hotel and car park (now the Bristol Hotel) provides a unique 1960s façade made from diamond-shaped precast concrete modules, and is a contrast to its bland neighbours and to the Georgian townhouses in neighbouring Queen Square.
Opportunities for the adaptive reuse of the Prince Street Car Park for urban farming
The up-cycling of this inner-city garage should focus on developing a symbiotic relationship between the existing hotel and the planned urban farm. The proposed adaptive reuse may contribute to urban sustainability by implementing a closed resource loop system, where resources from the existing hotel are exchanged with those from the advanced hydroponics. Moreover, the crop yields could be consumed by the hotel guests, which would limit the need to transport food (foodmiles), packaging and the loss of product occurring in the long-distance supply chain. The structure offers multi-storey, repeatable space to implement urban farming complemented by additional uses, which together would form a mixed-use development. The interior of the car park offers flexibility in designing hydroponic installations (source: case study by Monika Szopinska-Mularz and Steffen Lehmann).