Redefining concrete: the lower carbon range helping to build a greener future

A report published in 2019 found that the concrete industry is responsible for four to eight per cent of anthropogenic carbon emissions worldwide. 

“It’s a victim of its own success. Concrete is the second most consumed material in the world behind water,” shares Jackson MacFarlane, Group Sustainability Manager at Hynds Pipe Systems. “And the reason it is so highly consumed is because it’s a fantastic material for making strong structures.”

With the need for change becoming increasingly apparent, four years ago, Hynds began their sustainability journey. It started with a series of conversations asking their employees and customers what was important to them. After thorough supply chain analysis, Hynds identified exactly what they needed to do and how they could do it. 

“Due to the unique production process of concrete, numerous possibilities exist to minimise its carbon footprint,” adds Jackson.

Informed by collaborative research and meticulous analysis, they forged a value-led approach that would soon yield impressive results.

“One of our values is to create a place where people matter. And so, if this is a place where people matter, then preserving our environment and our communities is paramount,” shares Jackson. “So, we thoroughly evaluated our supply chain and identified opportunities for significant carbon reductions. The result of this process was the sustainability framework for the business.” 

The framework is guided by three focus areas  – people, planet, and product. Beneath each, Hynds describe the impacts they seek to make, from contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand’s lower carbon future, to becoming an industry leader and advocate for sustainability. 

In a market where greenwashing is unfortunately common, Hynds is determined to ensure their framework delivers real, quantifiable results. “Having low carbon, more sustainable products was a key outcome of the product pillar, and ultimately led to this product range,” adds Jackson. 

The Hynds LC (lower carbon) range is the result of years of research, development, and innovation. It covers all of the concrete products made by Hynds, but with a lower carbon (LC) footprint. The products are made to the same specifications and can be used in the same way as their standard product range. 

“We've ensured that all products within our LC range are designed and manufactured to the existing standards. This means that designers, installers, and customers will receive the same performance as they would from any standard product.” shares David Richardson, National Manager for Engineered Products. 

There are two standard options for reductions  – LC25 and LC40. LC25 provides an average manufactured product carbon reduction of 25%, while LC40 optimises design and process to provide an average carbon reduction of 40%.

Produced in their state-of-the-art concrete manufacturing facility in Auckland, Hynds utilises innovative techniques to minimise their environmental impact. This includes automated and semi-automated manufacturing processes, minimising waste by over 90% compared to traditional methods. 

Other eco-conscious techniques include the use of bore water and rain harvesting to reduce their council-supplied freshwater usage. They also have an on-site, high-performance concrete batching plant to eliminate the need for concrete deliveries.

“We're currently achieving an average 25% carbon reduction, and that covers all of our products from our concrete pipes and manholes, through to retaining walls, and bespoke precast,” shares David. 

And Hynds is not stopping there. 

“Hynds have a research and development team that is working to improve the sustainability of our products. We’re constantly trialling new components, working with our suppliers to access the best materials on the market,” adds Jackson. 

In a culture of innovation, Hynds is its own biggest competitor. “This range challenges us to be constantly innovating to achieve the lowest carbon we can. The business is continuously trying to be as sustainable as it can with our standard product range,” Jackson shares. “As we make our standard range more sustainable, we have to keep innovating our low carbon range to keep ahead.”

With a robust sustainability framework guiding tangible results, much needed transparency, and the same high quality products, Hynds' LC range is a game-changer. Whether it’s a retaining wall or bespoke precast concrete, the LC range empowers architects and builders to make informed choices and contribute towards a greener built environment.

Learn more about Hynds Pipe Systems