Ground granulated blast-furnace slag
Low Carbon Concrete Routemap, Setting the agenda for a path to net zero, draft for consultation published by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2021, defines ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as: ‘An SCM (Secondary Cementitious Materials) whose main use is in concrete as a Portland cement replacement to help reduce permeability and improve durability. It is a by-product from the blast-furnaces used to make iron.’
The use of GGBS reduces the amount of Portland cement used in concrete products thus potentially reducing the carbon emissions or embodied carbon associated with use of the product. However the draft research paper 'The efficient use of GGBS in reducing global emissions' written by experts from IStructE, the Institution of Civil Engineers, Climate Group and MPA The Concrete Centre, from 2023 questions the benefits for decarbonisation by revealing that global supplies of GGBS have reached their limit with no significant unused stockpiles or new sources likely to appear.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.