Concrete Sustainability
Concrete is all around us - but it's often overlooked. Due to its unique versatility, durability and strength, concrete enables us to build more sustainably, improve our communities and create a more durable and prosperous country. Plus it makes for killer skateparks. Learn how we're building a better, more sustainable, and more skateable world with concrete.
What you should know about one of the most environmentally sustainable building materials.
There are a lot of misperceptions about the sustainability of concrete. But concrete has been – and continues to be – one of the world’s strongest, most innovative and resilient building materials available. From how it’s made to how it’s used, concrete is meeting the needs of growing urban populations’ infrastructure.
Turning Challenges Into Solutions
Our goal is to reduce concrete carbon emissions by 50% in 2030. It’s an ambitious goal, but we know we have the tools to get the job done. We are already well on our way—since 2014, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has reduced its carbon emissions by 13%.
Reducing, Reusing, Recycling
Every effort is made to minimize energy use, reduce emission, conserve water and minimize waste while concrete is being made. The industry utilizes over 26 million metric tons of industrial byproducts that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Providing Sustainability That Lasts
It’s hard to find another building material that can last as long as concrete. This long life cycle equates to fewer maintenance costs, higher energy efficiency and lower greenhouse emissions over the long term.
Absorbing Atmospheric Carbon
Concrete is composed of 6% air, 10% cement, 18% water, 25% sand and 41% gravel. From these basic materials, concrete can be shaped into almost anything you can imagine. The carbon uptake of concrete means that concrete sequesters up to 20% of the annual calcination CO2 emissions produced by clinker.
INNOVATING FOR
THE FUTURE
The beauty of concrete is inside each unique formulation that creates endless possibilities for advancement. Different types of concrete such as self-cleaning, bendable, high- performance, graphene and carbon capture concrete are already lowering environmental impact.
Find out how concrete can help you go green at BuildWithStrength.com.
Learn about the sustainability and green aspects of concrete
Concrete is the most used man-made substance in the world and one of the most environmentally sustainable building materials. Concrete creates a world that is more environmentally sustainable, safe, durable and benefits the communities we live in. The concrete and cement industry is taking a leading the way in reducing carbon emissions, did you know concrete absorbs carbon from the atmosphere?
To learn more about how the concrete industry is making advances in sustainability. Check out these resources.