Why Proving Carbon Savings With Recycled Aggregates Matters
BREEAM assessors and clients expect clear, auditable evidence. Many projects now have targets linked to planning conditions, client ESG and embodied carbon reporting (often aligned to PAS 2080). Recycled aggregates typically reduce A1–A3 (production) emissions and A4 (transport) impacts versus virgin materials, especially when sourced locally. This can support BREEAM pathways for materials and lifecycle impacts; confirm exact credits with your assessor.
Local supply across Suffolk and East Anglia shortens haul distances and reduces programme risk. J T Few Ltd has supplied certified recycled products with reliable haulage for 35+ years. Explore our recycled aggregates service and read more on using local aggregate suppliers and the benefits of recycled aggregates.
The Simple CO2e Method You Can Use On Any Scheme
Step 1: Production Emissions
Calculate A1–A3 (cradle‑to‑gate) emissions:
- Tonnes × product emission factor (kg CO2e/t).
- Use supplier EPDs (EN 15804), the ICE Database or recognised UK factors.
- Keep factors by product (e.g., recycled Type 1, 6F5, sharp sand, topsoil) and record sources and versions.
Step 2: Transport Emissions
Calculate A4 (to‑site) emissions:
- Tonnes × one‑way road distance (km) × lorry factor (kg CO2e/tonne‑km), e.g., 32t 8‑wheel tipper.
- Adjust for realistic payloads and any backhauls to avoid overstating empty running.
- Document every assumption (vehicle class, payload, routing tool, backhaul logic).
Step 3: Net Saving Vs Virgin
- Model a credible virgin baseline using the same tonnage, boundaries and a realistic sourcing distance.
- Report both absolute saving (tCO2e) and percentage saving.
- Only include avoided landfill credits if the methodology allows and diversion is evidenced.
- For context on materials, see recycled aggregate vs natural aggregate.
What Data To Collect Before You Calculate
- Tonnes per product (e.g., recycled Type 1, 6F5 crushed concrete, sharp sand, screened topsoil).
- Specifications (BS EN 13242/12620/13139 as relevant) and product origin (site‑won or J T Few wash plant).
- Source and delivery postcodes (or grid refs) and the tool used to measure road km.
- Vehicle class (typically 32t tipper), expected payload, trip count and backhaul plan.
- Emission factor sources (supplier EPDs/EN 15804, ICE, UK Government GHG Conversion Factors) with version/date.
- Weighbridge tickets, delivery notes and product test certificates.
- BOQ/issue drawings and our aggregator calculator to validate volumes.
J T Few Ltd provides robust quality documentation; see how we certify products in our testing guide.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Worked Example: 1,000 Tonnes Of Type 1 Recycled Vs Virgin
Illustrative only—replace with project EPDs and current UK factors (e.g., ICE, UK Government).
- Assumptions (Suffolk): 1,000 t Type 1. Recycled factor: 5 kg CO2e/t. Virgin factor: 20 kg CO2e/t.
- Transport factor: 0.08 kg CO2e/tonne‑km (32t tipper with backhauls). Distances: recycled 20 km one‑way; virgin 60 km one‑way.
- Production: recycled 1,000 × 5 = 5.0 tCO2e; virgin 1,000 × 20 = 20.0 tCO2e.
- Transport: recycled 1,000 × 20 × 0.00008 = 1.6 tCO2e; virgin 1,000 × 60 × 0.00008 = 4.8 tCO2e.
- Totals: recycled 6.6 tCO2e; virgin 24.8 tCO2e.
- Saving: 18.2 tCO2e (≈73%).
BREEAM note: Evidence factors, distances, payloads and backhaul assumptions; report savings against a documented virgin baseline.
Build A BREEAM-Ready Evidence Pack
- EPDs or factor sources (with version/date) and boundary notes (A1–A3, A4).
- Product test certificates (BS EN 13242/12620/13139), WRAP Quality Protocol or equivalent.
- Weighbridge tickets, delivery notes with postcodes/distances, and WTN/consignment notes for muck away (if used).
- CO2e calculation sheet showing inputs, formulas, assumptions and results.
- One‑page summary statement signed by the contractor and J T Few Ltd.
File hygiene: use consistent naming (e.g., 01_EPDs, 02_Test_Certs), and add an index mapping each file to the relevant BREEAM criteria.
Tender Wording: Ready-To-Use Lines For PQQs And ITTs
Scope: “We will supply certified recycled aggregates from our Suffolk wash plant—Type 1, 6F5 crushed concrete, sharp sand and screened topsoil—to the relevant BS EN standards.”
Carbon: “We will calculate CO2e using supplier EPDs/ICE factors and UK Government transport factors, and report savings versus a virgin baseline with full evidence (weighbridge, distances, payloads).”
Logistics: “Deliveries via our 8‑wheel tipper fleet with optimised routing and backhauls to minimise emissions and programme risk.”
Cutting Transport Carbon With Smart Haulage Planning
- Shorten routes by sourcing locally from J T Few Ltd—often shaving 10–20 km per load across Suffolk and East Anglia.
- Match vehicle to load; use 32t tippers with realistic payloads and avoid part‑loads.
- Plan aggregate‑in and muck‑out backhauls to cut empty running.
- Cluster deliveries by location/time to reduce idling and turnaround.
Our large tipper fleet, trained drivers and rapid wash‑plant loading reduce waiting and fuel use. See how we optimise routing and payloads in our haulage efficiency guide.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Quality, Compliance And Risk Control
- Materials produced to recognised BS EN standards and the WRAP Quality Protocol.
- Regular sampling, stockpile management and clear acceptance criteria to prevent contamination.
- Traceability linking each load to test results and source.
- Where materials are classed as waste, manage under Duty of Care and consignment rules.
- For site‑won soils and cross‑site reuse, apply CL:AIRE DoWCoP with appropriate verification.
With J T Few Ltd’s certified supply, recycled options are a low‑risk choice.
Where Recycled Aggregates Deliver Best Value
- High‑volume layers: sub‑base and capping, 6F5 and piling mats, road formations and bulk fill.
- Utility trench backfill and drainage layers.
- Sharp sand and screened topsoil for landscaping where the spec allows.
- Structural concrete and mortar can adopt recycled constituents when permitted by design and testing.
For a wider overview, see our practical guide to types of recycled aggregates.
Supply, Coverage And Fast Ordering In Suffolk
- Same‑day or next‑day delivery where possible, with clear minimum orders and reliable lead times.
- Local coverage across Ipswich, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and wider East Anglia reduces truck miles and carbon.
- Combine recycled aggregate supply with muck shifting, haulage, demolition and plant hire to cut vehicle movements and simplify coordination.
Speak to the team at J T Few Ltd to book deliveries or build a BREEAM pack: contact us.
FAQs
Which BREEAM credits can recycled aggregates support?
They can contribute to materials and lifecycle impact pathways. Confirm the exact criteria and evidence with your assessor for the project version.
What emission factors should I use for calculations?
Use supplier EPDs where available, or recognised sources such as EN 15804 EPDs, the ICE Database and UK Government GHG Conversion Factors. Cite all sources and versions.
How do backhauls affect CO2e?
Backhauls reduce empty running, lowering tonne‑km and per‑trip impacts. Document the assumption and show the effect in your transport emissions.
Can I claim avoided landfill benefits?
Only if the project methodology allows it and diversion from landfill is evidenced. Keep assumptions transparent.
Do recycled aggregates meet BS EN standards?
Yes—when produced and tested correctly. J T Few Ltd supplies certified materials with traceable test results and full quality documentation.
What data does my assessor expect to see?
Tonnes, distances, vehicle class and payloads, emission factor sources, weighbridge tickets and product test certificates, plus a clear calculation sheet.
How quickly can you deliver in Suffolk?
Same‑day or next‑day is often possible. Contact us early with volumes and postcodes to lock in slots and optimise routes.
