Catriona Jones is a Graduate Materials Engineer with the international infrastructure leader Balfour Beatty. Catriona Jones has worked on numerous teams and projects, including the Hinkley C project. She understands the complexities of green construction.
What is your background? How did you get involved in construction initially?
Catriona: I joined Balfour Beatty in 2021 as a Graduate Material Engineer, working specifically on the Hinkley Point C Project and the marine contract. I was working a 24-hour shift with hands-on practical experience, testing nuclear-grade grout and concrete, managing trials on site, and writing client reports under the nuclear document review process.
After 18 months, I changed teams and became a Temporary Works graduate. In this role, I was more involved in the design process and communication with the delivery team and site teams.
This project is exciting because the engineering work we do has not been done before. “There’s so much to learn and I also get the added benefit of contributing to a project that is sustainable and will help the nation meet its sustainability goals.”
What was your favorite green construction project?
Catriona: The Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station will help Britain achieve. The project was a great experience to be a part of due to its size, unique engineering, and contribution to national sustainability goals and future energy security.
What has been the evolution of sustainability in construction?
Catriona: Smaller changes are easier to implement, so I have seen solar-powered generators or electric plants installed instead of diesel alternatives. As for larger changes, I am aware that the industry is investing heavily in concrete options in order to reduce carbon emissions. Once durability has been proven, these materials will become more widespread in the future.
What green construction trends will you see gaining traction over the next few years?
Catriona: “Advancements in BIM and digital technology to improve efficiency, save money and resources. Artificial Intelligence could be used to assist in this. “As mentioned above, once concrete alternatives’ durability and life expectancy have been demonstrated in real-life examples, I believe these materials will become more widely used.”
Advanced emerging building materials
This 3D-printed home was the first of its kind in Europe (2017)
Smart glass
Smart glass is an energy-efficient type of glass. It reacts to solar energy and controls how much heat and light enters a building.
3D printing & prefabrication
Construction companies are increasingly using 3D printing to create bespoke components and complete builds. The main benefits are speed and scalability. The entire 46-home Lancashire housing development is 3D printed.
Solar panels
Solar panels have been around for a very long time. In 1995, the first photovoltaic panel was installed on a UK residential property. They are still the most cost-effective renewable energy technology for homeowners.
Enviroboard
Enviroboard, a fire-resistant board, is made of sawdust and fiber cloth. Enviroboard, which is stronger than traditional boarding, is used as a wall lining material, a roof lining system, and an underlayment. The natural curing and drying process makes it carbon neutral.
Alternative concrete materials
- AshCrete is made from 97% recycled materials and uses fly ash in place of traditional concrete.
- Hempcrete is a mixture made of sand and hemp fibers, along with lime. Hempcrete is lightweight and breathable.
- Timbercrete is made from sawdust and concrete. The long-lasting, highly fire-resistant alternative
What will the building materials be in 2050?
Construction materials will be more environmentally friendly than they are today by 2050. This is the goal for the UK to achieve net zero. By 2050, it is difficult to predict which building materials will be used most often, but concrete alternatives may well replace traditional concrete, and off-site construction could be more common.