Everyone is familiar with concrete. It is one of the most used and versatile building materials in the world, as it has existed in various forms for centuries. Also, today, it is being used for a range of structures right from homes and commercial buildings to motorways, pathways, patios, and what not.
However, one of the most important features of concrete, which many people are unaware of, is how environmentally friendly it is. It is, in fact, one of the best and most natural building materials, which are used when you are considering the environmental impact of construction and can help to protect all the natural resources. This earns concrete its place, as the best building material choice for sustainability.
There are many benefits of using concrete as the building material for your projects. Here are a few listed below for you.
Concrete is economical
Compared to the engineered cement-like materials, which are used for construction, the production cost of concrete is very low. Again, it is inexpensive and is widely available for the people around the globe when compared to other materials like steel and polymers. The major ingredients of concrete are cement, water, and aggregates. All of these are readily available in the local markets and that too at a low cost, which makes it economical and affordable.
Local transportation
One of the reasons why concrete is such an ecological building material because of the raw materials, which are used to make it. Therefore, when compared with other construction materials imported from across the world, concrete is both supportive of local business and good for the environment, as transportation emissions are very low.
In addition to this, the aggregates and the concrete are usually produced locally. There are many companies, which promote green building materials and construction processes. Thus, there is an off-site ready-mix concrete plant where construction sites exists.
Durable and long lasting
An incredibly durable building material, concrete is able to create structures, which are built to last long. Unlike wood, for example, which can rot and decay and is susceptible to natural disasters easily. On the other hand, concrete does not require any maintenance and can stand up to the toughest winds, the harshest of weather conditions, and the most ferocious fires with an ease.
Not only this thing is great for the consumer, as you are purchasing a product, which will last for a long time, but also it is beneficial for the environment, as it reduces construction waste to a great extent.
Ability to consume and recycle waste
Many industrial wastes can be recycled as a substitute for cement or aggregate. This will include fly ash, slag, which is known as ground granulated blast-furnace slag, waste glass, and even ground vehicle tires in concrete. Thus, concrete production can significantly reduce the environmental impacts, which can be due to industrial waste. Using this waste product improves the properties of concrete and the quality of the structure is not at all compromised.
Low or zero maintenance required
Concrete structures are not required to be covered with coatings or paint for regular applications. This has to be done for protection from weathering. When compared to steel or wooden structures, it cannot be skipped at all. The coating is to be replaced and redone on a routine basis making the cost of concrete being used on a large scale when it is compared to wood or steel.
Multi-mode application
One of the major advantages of the concrete material is its ability to be used in different applications and methods. It can be applied with hands, poured in, pumped on the things, sprayed on walls, and used for advanced applications like tunnels.
Author: Anna Wrench
