The UK construction sector faces a well-documented skills shortage, but another challenge – material supply – also threatens much needed progress. Kealan Hunt, Blocks Commercial Director at Tarmac discusses how innovative solutions, such as lightweight concrete blocks, are emerging to keep projects moving amid rising demand.
Building the future: Overcoming material shortages in UK construction
The UK’s construction industry is under pressure like never before. With ambitious housing targets and large-scale infrastructure projects driving demand, the sector must deliver at pace. However, while much has been made of the workforce shortage – a well-recognised issue that continues to challenge progress – there is also an equally pressing concern: the availability of materials.
Supply chain issues, increased demand, and sustainability pressures have combined to create a perfect and unwanted storm for material procurement. If left unaddressed, this challenge could slow vital projects, increase costs, and create significant roadblocks to meeting the country’s housing and infrastructure ambitions.
The growing demand for construction materials
The UK’s need for new homes and infrastructure is undeniable. The government’s ambitious housing targets aim for 300,000 new homes per year, and large-scale developments such as HS2, road network improvements, and renewable energy projects are all vying for resources. These demands are placing unprecedented strain on material availability.
The rising cost of raw materials, logistical bottlenecks, and stricter environmental regulations mean that construction firms must rethink traditional procurement strategies to keep projects on track.
Innovative solutions which can keep the sector moving
As with any challenge, innovation is playing a key role in mitigating the impact of material shortages. The shift towards modern methods of construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing and modular building techniques, is helping to reduce reliance on traditional materials while improving efficiency.
New materials are also emerging to address supply issues and enhance sustainability. One such solution is Tarmac’s Aggblock Lite, a lightweight concrete block designed to deliver the performance of standard blocks whilst utilising lightweight raw materials that enhance the energy performance of the building. As a high-quality, sustainable alternative, Aggblock Lite not only helps alleviate supply chain pressures but also reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects – an increasingly important factor as the industry moves towards a net-zero future.
Sustainability as a driving force
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s now a fundamental driver of decision-making in construction. With the UK’s built environment responsible for nearly 40% of carbon emissions, the pressure to adopt greener materials is stronger than ever.
Lightweight blocks, such as Aggblock Lite, are gaining traction because they reduce embodied carbon while maintaining structural integrity. By using less primary aggregate, they not only ease supply pressures but also contribute to a circular economy by incorporating recycled materials.
With a density of 1100kg/m³, the Aggblock Lite provides greater thermal efficiency while also being lighter than dense or medium-dense aggregate blocks. Its thermal conductivity of 0.30W/mK helps external walls achieve a built value of 0.18W/m²K, aligning with the latest Approved Document Part L requirements for energy efficiency.
Collaboration and forward planning
Beyond innovative materials, collaboration across the supply chain is crucial in overcoming these challenges. Developers, contractors, and material suppliers can combine to forecast demand, explore alternative products, and implement smarter procurement strategies.
Advanced planning, early engagement with suppliers, and flexible material selection can help mitigate the impact of shortages. Many firms are now adopting digital tools and AI-driven forecasting models to predict material needs and reduce dependency on single-source supply chains.
The road ahead
The construction industry has always been resilient and is well adept at adapting to new challenges. While skills shortages remain a significant concern, addressing material supply issues is just as critical to ensuring that the UK meets its housing and infrastructure goals.
Ultimately, solutions like Aggblock Lite are leading the way in helping projects stay on track by offering sustainable, high-performance alternatives to traditional materials. As demand continues to rise, a proactive approach to material selection will be essential for keeping the industry moving forward.