Carbon handprint calculation revealed the positive climate impacts of Rudus’ Betoroc crushed concrete aggregate

Rudus Oy is a leading company in manufacturing mineral-based construction materials. It offers services to both consumers and businesses. Rudus operates extensively across Finland, with a comprehensive network of concrete plants, aggregate points, and reception sites for recyclable building materials. The company is part of the globally operating Irish CRH Group.

Betoroc crushed concrete aggregate is a recycling product developed by Rudus. It is made from concrete waste from demolition and renovation sites, surplus concrete from construction projects, and scrap from the concrete product industry. Betoroc can replace gravel and rock aggregates in structural and dividing layers for streets, roads, and fields. Rudus aimed to explore the benefits of Betoroc crushed aggregate in low-carbon construction compared to traditional mineral-based aggregates typically used.

Sustainable infrastructure construction

Carbon handprint calculation was conducted to determine the benefits of Betoroc compared to traditional crushed rock aggregates in specific customer application. By analyzing the differences of carbon footprints of Betoroc and crushed rock aggregate, the carbon handprint of Betoroc in its application was determined.

According to the results, Betoroc's carbon handprint is positive, indicating that using it instead of crushed rock aggregate in infrastructure construction, it offers greenhouse gas emission reduction potential for product user. This is due to Betoroc's ability to capture carbon from the atmosphere.

“With this calculation, we can reliably support our clients in achieving their challenging emission targets.”

Terhi Rauhamäki

Sustainability Director, Rudus Oy

Carbon handprint describes a product's positive climate impacts

Carbon handprint calculation demonstrates the positive climate effect of a product's use—its ability to form beneficial greenhouse gas impacts of an alternative solution in a specific customer application. A carbon handprint is generated if the product decreases the user's carbon footprint by saving energy or lasting longer than traditional or currently used products.

The results of the carbon handprint can be utilized in a variety of ways, such as product development, sustainable design, as well as communication and marketing.