Case Study: Citu Climate Innovation District

As the desire to build lower carbon and sustainable housing grows, Citu’s Climate Innovation District in Leeds stands as a blueprint for environmentally conscious development. The district is designed around key principles that promote sustainability in everyday life, focusing on transportation, energy efficiency, sustainable housing, and ecosystem preservation.

Citu’s project transformed a central brownfield site into a resilient, green, mixed-use neighbourhood. With 516 low-energy homes and integrated amenities, this development offers a comprehensive solution to sustainable urban living. The Climate Innovation District not only addresses immediate housing needs but also helps Leeds in its journey to becoming a zero-carbon city, positioning itself as a transformative model for the entire Yorkshire region.

Cemex was selected to supply 70m³ of Vertua lower carbon concrete for the foundations of The Place, a three-storey building that will house Citu’s UK headquarters along with 15,000 square feet of office space for rental. As a key part of Leeds’ South Bank Regeneration scheme, the project reflects Citu’s commitment to sustainable development. Vertua Classic was chosen for its ability to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30–50% compared to standard
concrete, making it an ideal solution for achieving Citu’s goal of creating architecture with minimal environmental impact.

Designed to be part of a zero-carbon district, The Place emphasizes the reduction of embodied carbon emissions throughout the construction process. By combining Vertua lower carbon concrete with structural timber, the project addresses materials that are traditionally challenging to decarbonize. This construction method not only benefits Citu’s headquarters but also provides a forward-thinking workspace for businesses, contributing to a more environmentally responsible and future-focused district.

Cemex’s full range of lower Carbon concretes feature a bespoke designed to enable embodied carbon by more than 70% compared to standard concrete (CEM I). These mixes also offer additional benefits, including increased durability, reduced heat of hydration, and aesthetic finishes.

Vertua is more than just a lower-carbon concrete — it’s part of a wider portfolio of sustainable solutions that address the pressing need to build a future that is carbon neutral.
The Vertua brand incorporates other key sustainable attributes of ready-mix concrete:

• Lower Carbon
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Conservation
• Recycled Materials
• Design Optimisation

2050 Materials partnered up with Cemex for its innovative products that contribute to a greener future.

Its products attributes contribute to Cemex’s vision of ‘Building a Better Future’ and are integral to the success of projects like Citu’s Climate Innovation District.

Discover the full range of products by Cemex on the 2050 Materials platform here.