BETCRETE 3.0 – Concrete with certified fly ash for drinking water plant construction

BETCRETE has been conducted as a national collaborative project addressing the challenges and necessary actions to achieve the goals set out in the roadmaps for the Swedish cement and concrete industries. The project consortium consisted of organizations impacted by and contributing to these roadmaps, representing key actors across the entire value chain. Over time, BETCRETE has established itself as an independent and recognized platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and for driving both regulatory and technical development of innovative solutions. It serves as a value-creating knowledge and information channel for cement and concrete-related issues.

The overall objective has been to reduce CO₂ emissions from concrete by mobilizing the entire value chain around climate efforts. This includes addressing joint collaboration challenges, legislative and financial barriers, and implementing short- and long-term technical solutions using new materials and technologies. A crucial condition has been the coordination of roadmap efforts between the cement and concrete sectors, as well as the removal of obstacles to their implementation. The project also aimed to contribute to the development of cross-industry KPIs and strengthen the sector’s ability to measure, track, and communicate its sustainable transition.

As part of the BETCRETE project, the potential use of climate-improved concrete with fly ash was evaluated for drinking water infrastructure. Laboratory and field tests were conducted at two Swedish water treatment facilities to assess whether partial replacement of Portland clinker with CE-marked fly ash affects drinking water quality. Initial measurements showed slightly elevated levels of certain elements, but all remained within regulatory limits. Concentrations decreased over time and with increased water turnover, indicating a self-stabilizing effect. The results support the safe and continued use of fly ash-based concrete in contact with drinking water, enabling more sustainable construction practices.