extraction, processing, construction, operation, demolition and recycling – concrete makes a significant contribution to the triple bottom line of sustainable development. Here’s how concrete contributes to sustainable building design:

 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

      Reduce

• Thermal mass of concrete contributes to operating energy efficiency and reduced cooling costs, under certain climatic conditions
• Longer lasting structures – reduce energy needs for maintenance and reconstruction
• Made to order concrete means less construction waste
• No need for additional interior or exterior finishes
• Reduced transportation costs as concrete is a locally available material
• Light reflectance – light colored walls reduce interior lighting requirements
• Permeable concrete pavement and interlocking concrete pavers can be used to reduce runoff and allow water to return to the water table.

      Reuse

• A well designed concrete building that takes advantage of long floor spans with column-free space is adaptable to a variety of occupants

      Recycle

• Industrial by-products such as slag or fly ash, from the production of steel and electricity respectively, can be used to supplement the use of cement in concrete mixtures while improving product performance
   
• Used concrete can be 100% recycled as aggregate for use in roadbeds or as a granular material

      Indoor Air Quality

• Improved indoor air quality – no off-gassing, toxicity or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from concrete
• Polished concrete floors do not require carpeting
• Exposed concrete walls do not require paints or sealants
• Concrete does not sustain mould growth and can be easily cleaned

ECONOMIC BENEFITS