South Wales Shows Circular Construction in Practice

In construction, circularity is often talked about as an ambition. In South Wales, it’s already happening.

At Cemex, we’ve been working with partners including Dauson Environmental Group and Wates on Cardiff Council’s Channel View regeneration project – a scheme that is not only transforming part of Grangetown with hundreds of new low-carbon homes, but also showing what a truly circular approach can look like in practice.

The process is straightforward but powerful. Demolition material from the site is taken to Dauson’s recycling operation, processed to a high standard, and then returned to us as recycled aggregate. We use that material to produce new ready-mixed concrete, which goes straight back to the same project. It’s circularity as literally as it gets – and it works.

Using recycled aggregate isn’t a new idea; what’s changed is the quality. Twenty-five years ago, recycled materials were often inconsistent, meaning we had to compensate by adding more cement to reach the required strength. That defeated the purpose, because the extra cement increased the overall carbon footprint. The difference now is that the processing quality has improved dramatically. Dauson’s operation is second to none, producing recycled aggregate that meets the similar standards than primary material. That’s what makes the circular model viable on a large scale.

It’s also helping to shift attitudes in what has traditionally been a conservative industry. Once one contractor proves it can be done, others start to follow. Confidence spreads quickly when the results speak for themselves.

At Cemex, we’re acutely aware of the carbon impact of our industry and are continually working with customers and communities to reduce it. This collaboration has shown what can be achieved when quality and sustainability go hand in hand.

Around 40% of all Cemex recycled aggregate concrete produced in the UK this year has come from South Wales. That’s a remarkable figure, and it shows how far the region has come in demonstrating what’s possible.

The challenge now is to build on that momentum and replicate it elsewhere. The circular model we’ve developed in Cardiff proves that recycled materials can meet the highest standards and deliver real environmental gains. South Wales has shown that circular construction isn’t just an aspiration – it’s a working reality.

Stephane Plisson talks about this and more in the Green Economy Wales podcast episode Unlocking Wales’ Circular Economy Potential. Listen to the podcast here.