Concrete building material, an interior alternative
Concrete building material - is this really eco?
This article looks at an all round perspective, so that you can make an informed decision about concrete and whether it is a suitable eco material for your home.
The industry is split down the middle whether concrete is really eco.
Description
♦ Concrete building material - used in interior design is a stone like material made from gravel, sand, cement and water through a chemical process
♦ Concrete is poured into slabs for worktops and panels - creating a stone like appearance
Uses
♦ Walls, floors, fireplace surrounds, worktops, panels, wall finishes, concrete furniture, sinks and basins
Advantages
♦ Fire, moisture, insect, rot and rust resistant
♦ Can be poured into form
♦ Absorbs and retains heat very well
♦ Can be manufacturer locally
♦ Manufactured for specific quantities – little waste
Disadvantages
♦ Poor insulation properties
Embodied Energy
♦ One of the highest levels of embodied energy of all building materials
♦ Manufacture creates very high levels with temperatures reaching 2000 degrees Celsius
♦ High levels of carbon dioxide are released
Source/Origin
♦ Extraction of the raw materials in very large quantities has a negative impact on the local surrounding environments
♦ Quarries, transportation, mixing plants, access to the quarries and waste destroy landscapes
Transportation
♦ Transportation of raw materials over long distances accounts for further release of carbon dioxide levels into the atmosphere
Renewable
♦ Limestone the raw material for the cement is available in large quantities
♦ Other materials are recycled from production waste by-products
Environment & Health
♦ Non toxic stains and sealants can be used
♦ Interior VOCs levels are low or nil with the use of natural lime cement
♦ Manufacturer of Portland cement contributes between 5-8% of carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases
♦ The chemical process of limestone creates the same amount of carbon dioxide in weight
♦ Lightweight blocks or honeycomb bricks combine strength whilst using less material
Performance
♦ Exceptionally high lifespan – up to 3 times that of alternate building materials
Recycled content
♦ Can be ground and recycled for use in roads and pavements
Recyclable
♦ Low level of recyclability as limited facilities
Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ Non-biodegradable
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