How ACREO’s low-carbon concrete solutions have transformed the UK’s construction landscape
Formerly known as Andrew Cowie Construction, ACREO has built a strong reputation for delivering a diverse range of construction projects across the UK. From concept to completion, the company is involved in designing and constructing bespoke concrete works, as well as iconic award-winning buildings. ACREO continues to diversify its service offerings, including concreting, to an ever-growing client base, demonstrating expertise in construction projects in Aberdeen and beyond. To learn more about the company’s background, Construction & Civil Engineering magazine interviewed Drew Cowie, Director.
“With roots going back over 30 years, ACREO is a UK-based construction and concrete specialist. My father originally founded the business as a subcontractor focused on high-quality polished concrete flooring. The company was officially incorporated in 2003 as Andrew Cowie Construction and rebranded to ACREO in 2020 to reflect our growth and broader service offerings. Over time, we evolved from a concrete subcontractor into taking on main full contract packages, delivering comprehensive construction solutions across sectors such as industrial, commercial, and transport infrastructure. Our core strength lies in our expertise with concrete floors, but we are also known for providing end-to-end project management, including design and build services. Today, we operate throughout the entirety of the UK. For instance, we once completed a project in Dover while simultaneously working on another in Wick, with our headquarters located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. We continue to grow through a combination of long-term client relationships and a strong focus on quality and safety standards,” he informs.
Organic growth
Over the years, ACREO has diversified its expertise across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, distilleries, retail, and industry. “This diversification was driven by client demand and a conscious decision to grow the business sustainably. Initially, we focused purely on concrete works, but as we developed strong relationships, clients began asking if we could take on more responsibilities, such as civil works, full builds, and specialist fit outs. Rather than staying in a single niche, we recognized the opportunity to expand into sectors like agriculture, energy, distilleries, retail, and industrial projects. Each of these sectors presents its own challenges, but this variety keeps our work interesting and motivates our team to keep improving. Notably, we have had the most success in industrial and commercial projects like warehouses, production facilities, and transport depots, where our concrete and civil work expertise truly shine. That said, we have also established a solid reputation in the distillery and energy sectors, especially in Scotland,” Drew highlights.
As part of its expansion strategy, ACREO established its subsidiary, East West Flooring, which Drew tells us more about. “In 2008, we identified a clear gap in the market and launched East West Flooring. At that time, underfloor heating was gaining traction in Scotland, but few screeders offered the right products or systems for it. In fact, we were among the first in Scotland to specialize in liquid screeds for this purpose. We began with calcium hemi-hydrite, transitioned to anhydrite, and now mostly use Cemfloor. Our focus has always been on staying ahead of the curve, adapting to technological advancements to ensure clients benefit from quicker drying times and better performance to suit modern underfloor heating systems. East West Flooring covers projects across Scotland and the islands. While it possesses its own pumps and gear to maintain efficiency, East West Flooring prioritises providing a comprehensive in-house service that aligns with ACREO’s commitment to consistent quality and reliability on every job.”
Low-carbon concreting solution 
In 2022, ACREO introduced a low-carbon concreting solution to the UK, positioning itself as an environmentally conscious construction company. However, bringing this solution to the British market presented its own challenges. “Introducing low-carbon concreting has been a big step forward for us, particularly in large-scale flooring projects, as it creates genuine, measurable carbon savings across every aspect of the process. This solution excels on large slabs and pile-supported slabs. By reducing slab thickness and eliminating traditional mesh, we significantly decrease the volume of steel and concrete used, thereby instantly lowering the embodied carbon content. Moreover, the thinner slabs and absence of mesh lead to fewer lorry deliveries, less steel and concrete transported, and even reduced fuel consumption from plant and on-site equipment. All these factors contribute to a comprehensive chain of carbon reduction from design through supply and installation. The best part is that it often results in cost savings as well. We are one of the only companies in Scotland offering this as a complete service, including full design, engineering, and warranty to give clients peace of mind. We have now carried out a selection of these projects across the UK, and they are increasingly sought after by clients, especially those with sustainability targets.
“However, the biggest challenge in bringing low-carbon concreting to the UK market has been convincing engineers and architects to embrace it. Many professionals naturally stick with traditional methods and slab designs that have historically proven effective, so introducing alternatives like thinner slabs without mesh can be met with some resistance. This is precisely why we provide comprehensive support supplying and installing the system, including in-house design and warranty, which gives engineers and clients the reassurance they need to break away from established practices. It has required education and patience, but we have found that once people witness the carbon savings and performance of our low-carbon concreting solution on live projects, they become enthusiastic supporters. Furthermore, because we manage everything from design to pouring the concrete, we can alleviate pressure on their teams, making the transition easier,” Drew concludes.
By diversifying its expertise across industries and pioneering low-carbon concreting solutions, ACREO has demonstrated its adaptability and forward-thinking approach. As the company continues to leverage East West Flooring to deliver comprehensive in-house services, it solidifies its reputation for reliability and excellence.