PRODUCTS : Environmental

In response to growing environmental and economic forces, architects, engineers, developers and owners are seeking efficient, innovative building solutions that conserve non-renewable resources. Increasingly, concrete is being recognized for its strong environmental benefits in support of creative and effective sustainable development.

When considering the lifetime environmental impact of a building material – extraction, production, construction, operation, demolition and recycling – concrete is an excellent choice to meet these goals.

Environmental Benefits of Concrete
Concrete is produced locally from abundant natural resources.

Concrete can be made with reclaimed industrial materials that would otherwise burden landfills.

Recycled materials in concrete reduce CO2 emissions.

At the end of a concrete building or pavement’s usable life, concrete can be recycled.

Pervious concrete percolates stormwater into soil, recharging aquifers and preventing polluted runoff from overwhelming streams and lakes.

Concrete’s thermal mass reduces temperature swings in buildings and conserves energy.

Use of Insulating Concrete Form for above-grade wall systems provides for increased R values, reducing heating, cooling and infrastructure costs.

Concrete’s light color reduces the heat island effect, lowering urban energy use.

Concrete’s light color reflects more light at night, reducing lighting infrastructure and energy costs.

Impervious concrete roofs support green landscaping, reducing water runoff and reducing heat island effect.

Concrete structures are durable.

Concrete helps achieve LEED certification.