Redbridge EVO Zero Eco-Cement Trial Clayhall 2026

Key Points

• Redbridge Council has become the first London borough to trial a pioneering eco-cement called ‘EVO zero’ from Heidelberg, marking its first use in London, as part of a Highways project on Heathcote Avenue in Clayhall.
• The project combines road resurfacing with a flood alleviation scheme to reduce flood risks and improve roads and footways for residents.
• Additional green technologies include ACLA, a carbon-negative asphalt mix supplied by Tarmac and produced by Low Carbon Materials (LCM), used for the binder course, achieving net zero for the road’s middle layer and removing 748kg of CO2e per tonne.
• The overall scheme, delivered by Kenson Highways, has saved approximately 65 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to driving around the world ten times.
• Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, praised the innovations as contributing to Redbridge’s climate strategy.
• David Shelley, Director at Kenson Highways, highlighted Redbridge’s leadership in embedding sustainability into infrastructure without compromising quality or safety.
• This follows a prior trial in July 2024 at Lodge Hill in Ilford, where Redbridge first used ACLA asphalt, removing 5,586kg CO2e, in partnership with Kenson Highways, Tarmac, and LCM.
• The 2024 trial was led by Redbridge Council to reduce emissions in road resurfacing, with Cllr Jo Blackman noting pride in partnering for greener roads.
• Earthshot Prize finalist LCM’s ACLA works via sequestration, permanently locking CO2 into the road.
• The projects align with Redbridge’s commitment to low-carbon materials and equipment for impressive emission reductions.

Clayhall, Redbridge (East London Times) March 28, 2026 – Redbridge Council has pioneered London’s first use of ‘EVO zero’ eco-cement in a Highways project on Heathcote Avenue, integrating multiple carbon-saving measures to resurface roads and install flood alleviation without a significant carbon footprint, as announced by the council. Delivered by Kenson Highways, the scheme combines innovative materials like Heidelberg’s near-zero carbon cement—enabled by carbon capture technology—with other green tech, saving around 65 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to ten global car trips. This marks Redbridge as a leader in sustainable infrastructure, following an earlier asphalt trial.

What Makes This the First Eco-Cement Trial in London?

The Heathcote Avenue project represents a milestone as Redbridge becomes the first London borough to deploy ‘EVO zero’ cement, created by Heidelberg Materials, which achieves near-zero carbon through advanced carbon capture. As reported on the Redbridge Council website, the eco-project is the first in the borough to unite several carbon-saving measures, including this cement alongside resurfacing and flood defences. Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, stated:

“I am proud that Redbridge Council is leading the way by bringing together these low carbon innovations. Each element of the project is using new low carbon materials or equipment to achieve impressive carbon reductions which help contribute to our climate strategy.”

David Shelley, Director at Kenson Highways, emphasised the significance in a council press release:

“This scheme shows that Redbridge is genuinely leading the way in delivering lower carbon highways projects. By supporting the use of innovative materials such as EVO Zero cement and being the first in London to use it, the Council is setting a clear benchmark for how sustainability can be embedded into everyday infrastructure. At Kenson Highways, we are more than happy to work alongside Redbridge to introduce new innovative materials and technologies, and to help trial approaches that reduce carbon without compromising quality or safety. Schemes like this demonstrate what can be achieved when forward thinking authorities and delivery partners work together.”

Which Technologies Are Reducing Carbon in the Project?

Beyond the EVO zero cement, the scheme incorporates ACLA, a groundbreaking asphalt mix supplied by Tarmac, as detailed in industry coverage by Agg-Net. Every tonne of ACLA, designed and manufactured by Low Carbon Materials (LCM)—an Earthshot Prize finalist—permanently removes 748kg of CO2e from the atmosphere through sequestration, locking carbon into the road’s binder course for net-zero impact there. The Redbridge Council announcement confirms this combination ensures the entire project minimises environmental harm while enhancing local infrastructure.

In the Lodge Hill trial from July 2024, reported by Redbridge Council and Low Carbon Materials, ACLA was first piloted in London for resurfacing, removing 5,586kg CO2e in partnership with Kensons Highways and Tarmac. Cllr Jo Blackman commented then:

“Redbridge is always striving to find innovative ways to reduce our emissions. We’re proud to be the first London borough partnering with Kensons, Low Carbon Materials, and Tarmac to deliver this pioneering new trial. We’re not only committed to improving the quality of our roads but also reducing the emissions associated with the resurfacing process. This trial is another step towards reducing our carbon footprint to become a cleaner and greener Redbridge.”

Where and Why Was the Heathcote Avenue Project Implemented?

Heathcote Avenue in Clayhall saw the resurfacing works and flood alleviation installation to mitigate local flood risks and provide smoother roads and footways, according to the official Redbridge Council news release dated 26 March 2026.

The initiative addresses dual needs: climate resilience via flood defences and everyday improvements for residents, all under one low-carbon umbrella. This builds on the Lodge Hill efforts in Ilford, where the focus was purely on greener resurfacing, as covered by Yellow Advertiser and council archives.

The council’s Highways Team adopted these measures proactively, positioning Redbridge ahead of other boroughs in London’s sustainability drive. Low Carbon Materials’ case study on Lodge Hill underscores the scalable impact, with partners including Redbridge Council, Tarmac, and Kensons Highways collaborating for measurable CO2 removal.

How Significant Are the Carbon Savings Achieved?

The Heathcote Avenue scheme has delivered approximately 65 tonnes of carbon savings to date, a figure highlighted by Redbridge Council as equivalent to driving around the world ten times.

Agg-Net reports that ACLA’s role in the binder course alone ensures the middle road layer is net zero, slashing the project’s overall footprint. LCM’s technology sequesters CO2 permanently, turning roads into carbon sinks.

Comparatively, the 2024 Lodge Hill project sequestered 5,586kg CO2e, proving the efficacy of ACLA from the outset. These savings align with Redbridge’s broader climate strategy, as articulated by Cllr Blackman across both announcements. Kenson Highways’ involvement ensures delivery standards remain high, per David Shelley’s remarks.

Who Are the Key Partners Driving These Innovations?

Redbridge Council leads, with Kensons Highways as the delivery contractor, Heidelberg for EVO zero cement, Tarmac for asphalt supply, and LCM for ACLA production. The Clayhall project echoes the Lodge Hill collaboration, where the same core partners trialled ACLA first in London. No individual journalists are named in council releases, but coverage appears on Redbridge.gov.uk and industry sites like Agg-Net and Low Carbon Materials’ blog.

What Does This Mean for Redbridge’s Climate Strategy?

Cllr Blackman’s statements frame these trials as integral to Redbridge’s emissions reduction goals, blending innovation with practical upgrades. By pioneering in London, the borough sets benchmarks, as noted by Shelley, potentially influencing other councils. The projects demonstrate feasibility: flood-proofing, resurfacing, and decarbonisation simultaneously.

Future scalability seems likely, given successes like 65 tonnes saved on Heathcote Avenue and prior ACLA wins. Residents benefit from resilient, smoother infrastructure amid climate pressures.

How Does This Compare to Previous Redbridge Trials?

The July 2024 Lodge Hill resurfacing was Redbridge’s initial foray, first in London for ACLA asphalt, per council news. It focused solely on low-carbon resurfacing, achieving 5,586kg CO2e removal. Heathcote Avenue advances this by layering EVO zero cement and flood works, amplifying savings to 65 tonnes.

Both feature Cllr Blackman’s endorsement and the same partners, showing continuity. Agg-Net notes ACLA’s evolution into broader schemes.

Why Is Redbridge Leading London’s Green Highways Push?

Redbridge’s proactive stance stems from its climate strategy, targeting innovative materials without quality trade-offs. As the first for EVO zero and ACLA in London, it benchmarks sustainability, per Shelley. Partners like LCM, an Earthshot finalist, amplify credibility.

This positions Redbridge ahead, contrasting slower adoption elsewhere, while serving residents directly.