Low carbon concrete is at the heart of an innovative project in the UK which is helping protect coastal biodiversity along the Newlyn coastline.
The project, which has used low-carbon concrete to protect the coastline, has been shortlisted for an engineering award.
The low carbon concrete is used as rock armour.
Each block comes in a variety of patterns and configurations and hardy enough to cope in a challenging breakwater environment. The unique designs on the blocks offer a foothold for coastal biodiversity like algae to cling to, each block becoming a mini habitat.
The Environment Agency’s Harriet Googe said the project of low-carbon cement had delivered positive outcomes so far.
“We and our partners Kier and Atkins are very pleased to see the work at Newlyn to investigate better protection with better habitats being shortlisted in a very competitive field,” Googe said.
“The sight of these eco blocks has created a positive buzz in Newlyn and taken us to classrooms to share these lessons as well as host children’s art works around our compound.”
The project is one of 14 projects shortlisted for the award. Following a second round of judging, including a site visit by a panel of industry leaders, the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Bristol on Friday 10 November.