The British Ready-Mixed Concrete Association

The British Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA) represents the interests of ready-mixed concrete producers within MPA. Its

remit covers generic technical, environmental and health and safety issues plus promotion of building systems using ready-mixed concrete.

More background information can also be found on the following websites:

• The British Ready-Mixed Concrete Association - www.brmca.org.uk
• The Concrete Centre - www.concretecentre.com
• The Concrete Society - www.concrete.org.uk
• The European Ready-Mixed Concrete Organisation - www.ermco.org

What is BRMCA?

BRMCA is an Association of Member Companies dedicated to working together to better serve the industry needs and aspirations.

It is managed by an Elected Chairman together with MPA Staff and includes representation from each Member Company.  

Aims and Objectives

BRMCA represents the interests of ready-mixed concrete producers across the UK and is part of the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

The Association leads the way in the strategic development of the concrete industry in terms of innovation, product development and client/contractor liaison.

BRMCA's remit covers Health and Safety, Industry Legislation and Government Policy/Liaison, Technical and Standards, Sustainability, Environmental, Product Development, plus promotion of building systems using ready-mixed concrete.

How does BRMCA Work?

Dedicated Task Groups made up of members and selected specialists study specific issues and provide industry-wide solutions and views.

Seminars and workshops are organised to disseminate information gained or to encourage discussion on relevant issues.

Publications are produced, for site practitioners and designers.

Quality Assurance

All BRMCA Members hold current accredited production control and product conformity certification verified by a recognised Third Party Certification Body, Accredited by UKAS,

either:

• QSRMC (The Quality Scheme for Ready Mix Concrete) - www.qsrmc.co.uk
  
• BSI (British Standards Institution) - www.bsi-global.com
  
  

These schemes operate independently and provide BS EN ISO 9000:2000 and product conformity certification for the design, production and supply of ready-mixed concrete to BS EN 206-1 and BS 8500.

Companies awarded QSRMC or BSI certification are licensed to use the Certification Mark on literature and documentation, including quotations and delivery tickets.

QSRMC is the specific Industry scheme, concentrating solely on the production and control of Ready Mixed Concrete, with BSI offering a range of services for the industry.

Companies awarded QSRMC or BSI certification are licensed to use the Certification Mark on literature and documentation, including quotations and delivery tickets.

The QSRMC and BSI Marks are the best known and most widely specified certification mark for ready mixed concrete.

The Regulations and the assessment standards are under the control of a Governing Board, the members of which are directly involved either in specifying/purchasing concrete or in supplying the product.

Assessment and certification staff all undergo an extensive initial training and continuing professional development programme which, by building on their previous experience as consulting engineers, materials engineers, contractors and from within the ready-mixed concrete industry, enhances and maintains their expertise in concrete and quality management systems.

QSRMC and BSI are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for product conformity and quality management systems certification. Accreditation provides assurance that QSRMC and BSI operate in accordance with International Standards.

Environment

ALL BRMCA Members operate Company Systems to BS EN ISO 14001.

The Member companies are committed to reducing the Environmental Impact of their product and are working with Government and Industry Clients to ensure the creation of enhanced working practices to meet targets.

Concrete is a small net contributor to global warming, responsible for only 2.6% of UK CO2 emissions in 2002. This compares with 33% of total CO2 emissions from transport and 47% from buildings in use.

Sustainability

BRMCA  Member Companies are committed to using only sustainable resources, protecting the environment and reducing CO2 emissions.

BRMCA Members are committed to:

• Sustainability Management - Working with Government & The British Research Establishment (BRE) to enhance current performance and reduce CO2 Emissions
• Governance and Business Ethics
• Working with local communities
• Environmental Performance
• Responsible Sourcing & Procurement

Concrete Industry Initiatives & Achievements:

Ready Mixed Concrete is one of the most ECO Friendly construction materials used today:

• Concrete is a small net contributor to global warming, responsible for only 2.6% of UK CO2 emissions in 2002.
• Wherever technically and economically viable BRMCA ready-mixed concrete contains the lowest CO2 impact cement.  These low CO2 cements contain significant proportions of either granulated blastfurnace slag from the iron industry,  fly ash from coal fired power generation or ground limestone where each of these materials has a significantly lower CO2 impact than Portland cement clinker
• Concrete has inherent thermal mass. When used in buildings concrete this means the need for air conditioning is reduced and so saves energy and CO2 emissions.
• The average delivery distance is 6 radial miles where such a local supply means the minimum use of fuel for transport and thus keeps CO2 emissions low.
• On site the exact volume of concrete can be poured into purpose-made formwork (moulds) and will mean zero waste on well managed sites.
• Excess material returned from site is normally reclaimed or recycled to minimize any waste to landfill

Responsible Sourcing

ALL BRMCA Members use responsibly sourced materials conforming to a recognized Standard and verified by a third party.

Concrete Industry Initiatives & Achievements:

• The majority of ready-mixed concrete is produced using UK sourced cementitious materials
• A significant proportion of constituent materials are transported by rail or barge, thus reducing CO2 emissions.
• All UK cementitious materials used are produced by BS EN ISO 9000:2000 accredited suppliers, also operating BS EN ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 accredited systems
• Almost all aggregates used within UK ready-mixed concrete are sourced locally and travel minimal distances to each ready-mixed concrete plant.
• The Mineral Products Association has developed a specific Environmental and Sustainability Strategy

The MPA is committed to: Biodiversity and Geodiversity, Restoration and the Natural Environment - for more information please visit the MPA sustainability microsite here.

Industry Initiatives

Industry partners and industry committees

• The Concrete Centre
  
  Marketing and sustainability initiatives
  
  
• BSI Standards
  
  Development of UK & European Standards

• ERMCO - European Ready Mixed Concrete Association
  
  European Standards and Initiatives
  
  
• CEN Standards
  
  Development of UK & European Standards

• BRMCA Management Committee
  
  
• BRMCA Concrete Technical Panel
  
  Standards, Technical & Innovation)
  

Guidance on the Use of Concrete (Technical Publications & Advice)

Placement & Compaction Site Wall Chart
(DIY & Professional) - PDF

Sampling & Testing Concrete Site Wall Chart - PDF

MPA The Concrete Centre offers a number of additional publications produced in co-operation with BRMCA covering the following:

• Article Reprints
• Best Practice Guidance
• Design Aids
• Industry Partner Publications
• Newsletters
• Project Profiles & Case Studies
• Reports and Research Papers
• Technical Guidance

These may be downloaded 'FREE OF CHARGE' (after Log In on the MPA-TCC web site) by visiting http://www.concretecentre.com/main.asp?page=728

MPA The Concrete Centre is able to offer online expert support for a range of technical concrete enquiries. For additional advice click here.

Events

Click here for MPA's Events page.