Is Concrete Environmentally Friendly? Why Or Why Not?

By Author: Tansen Cement
Total Articles: 13
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Cement (especially it’s resulting materials like concrete) is a very sustainable building material with regard to the energy consumption during its production and its characteristics during its useful life.

Why it is environment friendly

Concrete is created from a mixture of water, sand, gravel, and cement. Water, sand, and gravel are resources that naturally exist in our environment. For the production of cement, the raw materials; namely limestone, clay, sand, and iron ore are kilned, and finally, gypsum is added before the mixture is finely ground.

Modern manufacturing plants are heavily monitored and automated with the help of computer systems. This computation allows the plants to calculate the exact amounts of raw materials and machinery to better utilize the materials.

This automation also leads to minimal waste during the production process. When materials like precast concrete are used, it leads to saving on packaging materials as they can be stored without packaging. Fresh concrete that has not been purposed, can be sent back into the production cycle without any wastage.

They ...
... also allow for maximum reusability in the cases where the building or structure has been demolished. They can be recycled and reused for the construction of new buildings or for road construction purposes.

They are absolutely safe for construction projects as they don’t emit or dispense any harmful substances to their surroundings. They can also be used to store or transport other toxic substances as they cannot get out through precast concrete elements.

Why it is not environment friendly

The process of cement manufacturing releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Cement factories especially cement factory in Nepal are also almost entirely fossil fuel-powered so that adds to the exhaustion of the already limited resources.

While the process of cement production might be considered environmentally-friendly, the process of covering things in concrete cannot be considered as such. This however is an objection to the way that concrete is being used in rapidly urbanizing communities, not the material itself. Concrete is a close second when it comes to the most environmentally friendly building material.

The major problem plaguing cement and concrete manufacturing is the emission of CO2 gas as a result of the production process.

How to reduce carbon dioxide emission in cement industries

One possible way out of this is through the use of pozzolan materials and less limestone during the manufacturing process. The methods also have to accommodate the change towards more green electricity and reduce our reliance on gas and coal.

The only downside to using pozzolo during the mixing process is that it increases the hardening time of the cement. Other than that, it is the best alternative to reduce wastage and utilize material that has no function outside this process.

If we can keep the above things in mind, there is no doubt that cement has a place in our green future. Build your dream projects with one of the best OPC Cement in Nepal