Introduction

The way we produce and consume aggregates has wide ranging positive and negative effects in terms, for example, of:

• Carbon emissions from extraction, processing and transport;
• Effects of biodiversity and landscape;
• Generation and recycling of waste streams;
• Effects on local communities from extraction and transport.

There have been significant improvements in the environmental performance of the aggregate industry in recent years, nevertheless ensuring sustainable aggregates production in the longer term will require continued improvement. In the last two years of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, the Strategic Research Programme gave an opportunity to investigate some issues and innovations, which may help to make further significant improvements. The aim of the programme was to provide an enhanced evidence base for the policymakers, industry and others whose decisions will shape the future of the aggregates production.

The projects funded under this programme were as follows:

2009/2010

1. Develop an horizon scan for the production of aggregates;
2. Evaluate the environmental impacts of aggregates within designated areas;
3. Develop an ecosystems approach to decision-making in the planning and restoration of aggregates quarries;
4. Scoping study for assessing decisions on when to build new rather than adapt old housing;
5. Assess the feasibility of using pipelines to transport aggregates;
6. Assess the design of lorries and quarries for aggregates transport;
7. Assess the feasibility of underground mining of aggregates.

2010/2011

8. An evidenced based approach to predicting the future supply of aggregate resources in England;
9. The barriers to underground mining of aggregates – An overview;
10. Distributing bulk minerals to future markets;
11. Assessing the environmental impact of regional and sub-regional supply options.