Is Concrete Green?
Is concrete green? This article looks at an all round perspective, so that you can make an informed decision about concrete and whether it is a suitable material for your home. There are now more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional concrete on the market, made with hemp or carbon neutral concrete. Traditional concrete should be the last choice.
Description
♦ 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 of carbon emissions 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 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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