5 Reasons Why Concrete Is A Sustainable Building Material

Builders and contractors prefer to use concrete for plenty of reasons. The material’s durability alone allowed it to become the most used construction material all over the world. But aside from this trait, sustainable builders also love to use concrete because it is a popular earth-friendly material.

According to reports from the Environmental Council of Concrete Organizations and the Portland Cement Association, concrete is a sustainable building material even during the early stages of production at the concrete plant until it reaches the project site to start with the construction process.

Here are the reasons why concrete can be the material of choice if you want to have a green building.

Durability

Concrete has a reputation for building long-lasting structures that could last the test of time. Unlike wood, it will not rot when exposed to too much moisture or burn during a fire. It is also not susceptible to rust due to oxidation, unlike steel. Because of this, you do not need to worry about replacing it from time to time and adding more waste in landfills.

Efficiency Of Resources

Limestone is an essential raw material used when making concrete. Fortunately, it is also the most abundant mineral all over the world. It means that there is no risk of depleting the limestone source anywhere you go. Concrete manufacturing also uses slag cement, fly ash, and silica fumes. These items are waste byproducts from manufacturing facilities like steel mills and power plants. It means that creating concrete can recycle all these materials that may only end up as trash.

Thermal Mass

All buildings featuring concrete walls, floors, and foundations have higher energy efficiency compared to those built using other materials since concrete has a built-in thermal mass ability that can retain and absorb heat. As a result, property owners can lower their heating and cooling consumption significantly. It will also allow them to install smaller HVAC equipment instead of the larger ones.

Stormwater Retention

Most paved surfaces have a reputation for being impenetrable, which makes it harder for natural water to infiltrate the soil. It can result in an imbalance in the ecosystem, which could end up with more significant problems like flash floods, soil erosion, water table depletion, as well as pollution. Fortunately, there is a type of concrete called pervious concrete that absorbs water faster through its sponge-like voids. This material is perfect for building parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, and other pavement where stormwater usually flows.

Reduces Waste

Builders can mix the right amount of concrete for their project based on their needs. It means that they do not have to buy more than the required amount to prevent wastage. Also, you can crush and recycle the concrete if the structure is no longer in use. The demolished concrete can become an aggregate that can turn into a road base or as one of the materials for new concrete pavement.

Using concrete is a good option if you plan to use earth-friendly materials to build sustainable edifices. It is also widely available all over the world, which makes it easier to find in any hardware store near your construction site. As a result, you do not need to use your automobile’s fuel to search for this material in far-flung places. It will decrease your carbon footprint and help in saving the environment while constructing a new building.

Author Bio

Mark Henry is a freelance writer and a GOT fan. Apart from writing Technologies, he likes to read & write fiction. More than anything, he loves to spend his time with his family, explaining technologies to the elders.