CRL marks 70 years with a net-zero commitment

Concrete Repairs (CRL) is marking its 70th anniversary with a strong focus on sustainability and a clear pathway to net-zero operations by 2045.

Founded in 1955 to repair wartime bomb damage in London, CRL has grown into a £65 million multi-disciplined contractor delivering projects across the highways, rail, marine, nuclear, utilities, and built environment sectors. The company now employs more than 340 staff across seven UK offices and one in Melbourne, Australia.

Built on repair, focused on sustainability

From its early repair work in London to landmark projects such as the Thames Flood Barrier, CRL has evolved into a leader in concrete refurbishment and asset maintenance. Its expertise covers corrosion control, condition surveys, structural strengthening, bearing replacement, grouting, and external refurbishment.

CRL’s business model—extending the life of concrete structures through repair rather than rebuild—is inherently sustainable. The company’s net-zero roadmap includes ambitious interim targets:

• 76% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 (from a 2020 baseline)
• Net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030
• 50% reduction in all emissions by 2040
• Elimination of single-use plastics and significant waste reduction across projects and offices

Measurable progress

So far, CRL has cut carbon emissions by 33% since 2010, diverted 97.5% of its waste from landfill, and upgraded 80% of its vehicle fleet to Euro 6 or low-emission models. Staff have also supported community initiatives, including woodland conservation in Coventry and school improvement projects in Walsall.

Southern regional director Steve Jones said: “The construction sector has a vital role to play in tackling climate change. CRL is committed to doing its part. By working together as an industry, we can deliver a cleaner, more sustainable future—one that will stand strong for the next 70 years.”

To commemorate the milestone, CRL will plant 70 trees across its UK and international sites, symbolising its ongoing environmental commitment. Managing director Sanjay Patel added: “Reaching 70 years is a remarkable achievement. Our success rests on the professionalism of our people and the support of our clients and partners. As we celebrate our history, we’re focused firmly on the future—reducing our carbon footprint and safeguarding the built environment for the next generation.”