Ep. 82 Concrete, Carbon & Change: Nia Bell on Net Zero Construction

Send a textConcrete is the backbone of modern construction—but it’s also one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions.In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren Evans speaks with Nia Bell, Programme Manager at the Climate Group and lead of the ConcreteZero initiative. Nia shares how her team is working with global industry leaders to create a market for low and near net zero carbon concrete, driving real-world change in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.Key Highlights:The Carbon Challenge of Concrete: Why cement production accounts for up to 90% of concrete’s emissions, and how innovation can transform this critical material.ConcreteZero & Global Collaboration: How leading corporates are banding together to demand low-carbon solutions—and why demand signals are the key to industry-wide change.The Power of Data & Standards: From UK benchmarks to global initiatives like Singapore’s market mapping, Nia explains how data transparency, EPDs, and benchmarks are accelerating progress.Policy, Procurement & Early Engagement: Why clients, contractors, and engineers must work together early to embed sustainability into projects from day one.A Global Perspective: The scale of the challenge—a city the size of Paris built every week worldwide—and the urgent need for systemic solutions that go beyond cost alone.This episode is essential for architects, developers, contractors, sustainability consultants, and policy makers who want to stay ahead of the curve in decarbonizing construction.If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnipFind us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiITApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/Links:Nia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nia-bell-a6060235/Climate Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-climate-group/Climate Group Website: https://www.theclimategroup.org/#SustainableConstruction #NetZeroConcrete #ThriveInConstruction #ConcreteZero #EmbodiedCarbon #Decarbonisation #BuiltEnvironment #ClimateAction #ConstructionPodcastSupport the show