Verifying Envirocon's sustainability claims.

This article aims to provide transparency regarding the sustainability claims made by Envirocon by presenting the supporting data and references behind our sustainability claims claims.

Introduction

Envirocon is committed to sustainability and prides itself on offering some of the most sustainable construction systems in New Zealand.

Sustainability Claims and Supporting Data

1. Quantity of Excess Concrete Produced in NZ Each Year

   • Claim: Eight sky towers worth of excess concrete is generated annually in New Zealand.
   • References:
     • In 2022 (annualised), New Zealand produced 4,655,324 cubic meters of ready-mix concrete, with an estimated excess of 116,383 cubic meters, equivalent to 272,336 tonnes. (Stats NZ: source)
     • BRANZ estimated the excess concrete production in New Zealand to be between 0.5% and 3%. Envirocon's data demonstrates an industry average of 2.5%, used for calculating excess concrete and business planning. (BRANZ: source, page 6.)

1. • • 15,000 cubic meters of concrete were used to build the Sky Tower. Envirocon's waste diversion equals 7.75 times the Sky Tower's concrete volume. This is rounded up for the claim.

1. Quantity of Concrete Processed by Envirocon

   • Claim: Envirocon diverts a significant amount of concrete waste from landfills.
   • References:
     • Internal production data captured through Envirocon's Envirotrac sustainability tracking software.

2. Equivalent Reduction in Carbon Emissions

   • Claim: Envirocon precast concrete products result in an ultra-low embodied carbon, achieving approximately a 95% reduction per cubic meter.
   • References:
     • Envirocon's Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) demonstrates a 94.52% reduction in carbon compared to an average of three EPDs from other ready mix concrete companies. (Envirocon EPD: source)
     • No other precast concrete company in New Zealand has an EPD, so ready mix concrete values were used. This understates the CO2 equivalent savings as the ready mix concrete values do not account for precast manufacturing emissions.
     • Calculations show that Envirocon's reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to removing 690 cars from the road annually, based on data from a Canadian government report. (source)

3. Comparison with Other Carbon Reduction Techniques

   • Claim: Envirocon products can be used in conjunction with other carbon reduction techniques.
   • References:
     • Stevenson Concrete's CarbonCure technology reduced CO2e by 15 kg per cubic meter. (source)
     • CarbonCure assesses fly ash addition at a rate of 15-25%, achieving a corresponding carbon reduction.
     • Neocrete claims a 40% reduction in embodied carbon. (source)
     • Note that these approaches can complement Envirocon's sustainability efforts when incorporated into the concrete mix.

Conclusion

Envirocon's sustainability claims are supported by data and references, showcasing its commitment to transparency and leadership in sustainability within the construction industry in New Zealand. By reducing excess concrete production, diverting concrete waste, and achieving substantial carbon reductions, Envirocon contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.