Due to sprawling urbanization and the increasing need for infrastructure, the demand for construction materials like concrete remains on the rise.
Concrete is a universal construction material with proven durability and unmatched availability, unfortunately the production of concrete, especially cement, greatly impacts the environment.
This is the idea behind the search for new methods of production to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. The development and use of low-carbon concrete is one of the specific ways we are efficiently eliminating the production of CO₂ and contributing to climate protection.
Concrete remains irreplaceable
Thanks to perfectly suitable physical properties, concrete has become an indispensable material in modern construction, especially for building or restoring important infrastructure. The greatest advantages of concrete are durability, universal application and fire-resistance.
Standard concrete contains cement, which plays a key role in its composition. In an analysis of a typical concrete mix, it was found that about 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cement clinker, which significantly contributes to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Due to the huge volumes of concrete necessary today, no other material can fully replace the wide range of uses concrete allows for. It can even be recycled with the crushed material serving as a substitute for natural aggregate.
What is low-carbon concrete?
Low-carbon concrete is a building material produced with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete. The eco-friendly product was developed by reducing CO₂ emissions during production, while at the same time ensuring equivalent properties expected of standard concrete. Low-carbon concrete provides the same strength, durability and behaviour in building structures, yet with lower environmental impact in its manufacture and use.
To create low-carbon concrete, the standard cement manufacturing processes must be adjusted in several important steps, and carbon capture and storage technologies must be installed on site.
The use of low-carbon concrete in construction projects brings a range of benefits. Low-carbon concrete helps reduce CO₂ emissions, promotes sustainability and contributes to a greener and environmentally friendly construction industry.
What are the benefits of low-carbon concrete?
Low-carbon concrete represents a meaningful step forward in the effort to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry as a whole. The immediate benefits, including reducing the overall carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable construction industry, make it an attractive alternative to traditional concrete. Discover all the advantages of using low-carbon concrete in construction.
Carbon footprint reduction
One of the main advantages of low-carbon concrete is its significant decrease in harmful gasses that make up the carbon footprint. Traditional concrete is made of cement, which generates CO₂ emissions during the manufacturing process, mainly due to high-temperature limestone combustion. However, low-carbon concrete uses a cement that allows for fewer CO₂ emissions produced during the manufacturing process.
Supporting the sustainability of the construction industry
The construction industry is among the main contributors to global CO₂ emissions. Sustainable building materials such as low-carbon concrete help to reduce the environmental impact of construction activities, contributing to a more sustainable and developed economy.
