---
title: "S30117 Decarbonising concrete by validating the use of lower carbon cement blends for incorporation in the standards - Phase 2"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-08dee023-e566-49e2-b4c6-b04bb5d8219f"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-08dee023-e566-49e2-b4c6-b04bb5d8219f"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-08dee023-e566-49e2-b4c6-b04bb5d8219f.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-08dee023-e566-49e2-b4c6-b04bb5d8219f.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED"
published: "2026-07-07"
---

# S30117 Decarbonising concrete by validating the use of lower carbon cement blends for incorporation in the standards - Phase 2

Buyer: NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-08dee023-e566-49e2-b4c6-b04bb5d8219f

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## Summary

The procurement process for the contract titled "S30117 Decarbonising concrete by validating the use of lower carbon cement blends for incorporation in the standards - Phase 2" has reached its award stage. The buying organisation is National Highways Limited, located in Birmingham, England. This tender falls within the industry category of Development Consultancy Services (CPV code 73220000) and encompasses delivery locations including the British Oversea Territories, Channel Islands, Europe, Isle of Man, Rest of the World, and the United Kingdom. The project aims to investigate the use of lower-carbon cement blends and its contract started on 7th July 2026 and will run until 31st March 2028, with a total awarded value of £339,914.45. The procurement method was selective, specifically a call-off from a framework agreement.

This tender provides numerous opportunities for growth within the construction and sustainability sectors. Businesses involved in innovative construction materials, particularly those focusing on sustainable practices and lower carbon solutions, would find this contract highly suitable. Companies, especially SMEs, with capabilities in experimental research and testing of cementitious materials are well-positioned to benefit from participation, as the project aims to set new standards for concrete used in infrastructure, potentially opening further opportunities in updating standards and supply chains across the construction industry.

## Notice

This project (Phase 2 of a two-phase programme) specifically aims to investigate and validate the expanded use of lower-carbon binary and ternary blended cements by increasing the proportion of PC replacement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as calcined clays, limestone, and other viable alternatives, through a staged laboratory experimental research and testing programme. The research will explore blend combinations and replacement levels that exceed those currently allowed under UK standards, including BS 8500:2023, the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW), and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). By reducing reliance on traditional SCMs such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash (FA), which both are subject to supply limitations, this project aims to support the wider adoption of more sustainable and readily available alternatives, including calcined clays and limestone. The project will also provide the technical evidence required to inform future updates to UK concrete standards, supported by the results of an experimental research programme. This work will build on the literature review, feasibility study, and detailed testing specification developed as part of the deliverables from the successfully completed Phase 1 of the project. This will enable the deployment of lower-carbon cement blends at scale while ensuring the durability, performance, and long-term resilience of the UK's concrete infrastructure is maintained.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/653506d0-db01-4fcd-a08a-6eff461fef2d |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 7 Jul 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 25 Jun 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Contract period | 6 Jul 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £340,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £339,914 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED |
| Locality | BIRMINGHAM |
| Post town | Birmingham |
| Postcode | B4 6GA |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham |
| Local authority | Birmingham |
| Electoral ward | Ladywood |
| Westminster constituency | Birmingham Ladywood |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | OVE ARUP |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73220000 - Development consultancy services

## Release History

- 7 Jul 2026 at 15:06 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/653506d0-db01-4fcd-a08a-6eff461fef2d

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/653506d0-db01-4fcd-a08a-6eff461fef2d
  7th July 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

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