The construction sector emits 11% of carbon in the economy

SOME months ago, I submitted a freedom of information request to Bristol City Council asking for disclosure of policy it may have on the future use of reinforced concrete in the building of council housing in Bristol and the tenancy numbers, condition and life expectancy of its existing high, medium and low rise tower blocks of flats built according to industrial systems principles over the years 1960 to 1980.

I submitted this request because of the large carbon footprint behind the manufacture of the main materials in reinforced concretecement/concrete and steel- and the relatively short life span of reinforced concrete structures (variable according to age and other factors, but on average 60-100 years).

My request, particularly on condition data, requires a substantial release of information which I still await. (I must commend Bristol City Council, however, on its cooperation in agreeing to release this).

I have received replies to other questions submitted.

There are 4,280 council tenants housed in high, medium and low rise reinforced concrete blocks of flats built on the industrial systems principle between 1960 and 1980.

Bristol City Council does not have an assessed life span for any of its buildings. Bristol City Council does not have a policy on the future use of reinforced concrete in the construction of council housing in Bristol.

These replies raise further questions that the Mayor/Council might address. The lack of assessed life spans begs the question of how the council will identify when buildings become structurally unsound to live in. Will there be alternative local housing for tenants to be decanted to and will this be made of more sustainable and climate friendly materials?

The fact that the council does not have a policy on the future use of reinforced concrete in building of council housing suggests that it does not recognise the construction sector as a problem in terms of carbon emissions. On September 24, the National Engineering Policy Centre released a report emphasising that the construction sector has to up its game to cut carbon emissions by 68 per cent by 2030 and 78 per cent by 2050 to meet overall national targets.

The construction sector emits 11% of carbon in the economy. If the council does not have a policy on reducing its dependence on concrete for house building, it suggests it has no measure of the carbon footprint of the construction sector (both in public and private housing development) in Bristol to track that the delivery of net carbon zero emissions will be met by 2030.

I hope for answers to these questions.

Chris Lamb Bristol