Embracing sustainability: Exploring green construction and its materials

Green building is the goal of creating and maintaining structures in a way that is environmentally friendly. To build climate-conscious constructions, everyone must collaborate, including engineers, architects, and contractors. It is also essential to use alternative materials that are more environmentally friendly than traditional ones. 

Unfortunately, the construction industry is responsible for approximately 25 percent of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) as stated by the McKinsey report. Concrete, made from cement, is the largest contributor. It accounts for 4.5 percent of global GHG emissions and 7.0 percent of CO2 emissions in 2019. To effectively address the climate challenge, it is crucial to decarbonise the cement and concrete sector. However, existing technologies can only achieve a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions. This falls short of the global target of limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre industrial levels. Therefore, it is imperative to develop and implement innovative technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation, And Storage (CCUS).

Objectives which green cements serves

Green cement is an alternative to traditional cement that aims to reduce environmental impact. It addresses concerns related to carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion.

Traditional cement production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to clinker production. Clinker is produced by heating limestone and other raw materials at high temperatures, resulting in carbon dioxide (CO2) release. Additionally, the extraction of raw materials, such as limestone and clay, and the energy-intensive process of grinding and blending them further contribute to the environmental footprint of cement production.

Strategic advantages of green cement to mitigate environmental issues:

Substitute materials: Green cement incorporates alternative materials, such as industrial byproducts and waste materials. For example, fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, and slag can be used to replace clinker. These materials possess cement-like properties and reduce the need for extracting virgin raw materials, reducing carbon emissions and waste.

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): Some green cement technologies utilise carbon capture and utilisation techniques to capture CO2 emissions from cement plants and other industrial sources. This captured CO2 can be used in producing aggregates, as a raw material for the synthesis of alternative cementitious materials, or for enhanced oil recovery.

Carbonation: Carbonation is a process where CO2 is absorbed by cementitious materials, resulting in their transformation into a more stable and durable form. This process can be accelerated during the curing or manufacturing stages, effectively sequestering CO2 and reducing the carbon footprint of cement.

High energy efficiency: Green cement production employs advanced kiln technologies, using alternative fuels, and optimising production processes. These measures help reduce the energy consumption associated with cement manufacturing.

Recycling and reuse: Green cement uses recycled materials like concrete rubble or demolished concrete, as aggregates in new cement production. By diverting waste from landfills and reusing materials, it reduces the demand for virgin resources and minimises the environmental impact of cement production.

It's imperative to note that while green cement offers environmental benefits, its adoption and market penetration are still growing. Challenges remain in terms of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing construction practices. However, ongoing research and development efforts continuously improve green cement technologies, making them more viable and accessible for the construction industry.

Green Construction Materials

Green construction materials are crucial components of sustainable building practices. They are selected based on their environmental impact, resource efficiency, durability, and recyclability. Here are some notable green construction materials:

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS): GGBS is a supplementary cementitious product used as a partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). It is produced by quenching molten iron slag from blast furnaces and grinding it into a fine powder. GGBS has a low global warming potential and helps reduce carbon emissions in concrete production. It enhances concrete's durability and strength, making it suitable for sustainable construction projects.

Portland Slag Cement (PSC): PSC is a blended cement that combines high-quality clinker with superior-quality granulated blast furnace slag. This cement offers several advantages, including high resistance to sulphate and chloride attacks, lower hydration heat, and reduced water demand. PSC promotes sustainable construction practices by utilising a byproduct of the steel industry and enhancing the overall performance and durability of concrete structures.

Concreel HD: Concreel HD is a high-performance cement specifically designed for demanding applications that require high-strength concrete. It is commonly used in projects such as bridges, dams, nuclear power plants, precast, and prestressed concrete structures. By providing exceptional strength and durability, Concreel HD contributes to long-lasting and sustainable infrastructure.

Composite Cement: Composite cement is a versatile option suitable for both general-purpose applications and special projects. It combines the benefits of different cementitious materials to achieve high workability, durability, and strength development. Composite cement is an efficient solution which also maintains sustainability principles.

Green buildings aim to minimise negative human impacts on the environment while maximising positive outcomes for society. By focusing on sustainable design principles like energy efficiency, recycled content, and renewable resources, buildings reduce resource consumption and waste production. In turn, these measures contribute to broader goals of conservation, preservation, and restoration of ecological systems around us.