Building stuff is one of the biggest reasons our planet is getting hotter. The construction industry pumps out a whopping 37% of all the gases warming the Earth. That is why there’s a huge focus on making buildings sustainable.
Employing sustainable construction practices and materials is on the rise. Precast concrete is one major sustainable construction material.
Precast concrete products (walls, slabs, floors) are made in a factory and installed on the site instead of pouring on-site. This offers fast and standardized construction that not only meets modern demands but also benefits the environment.
But is precast concrete truly a green hero? Let’s dive in and uncover the truth about concrete sustainability.
What Is Sustainability In Construction?
According to BIBM (Federation of the European Precast Concrete Industry), sustainability in construction means building structures that meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Usually, we perceive sustainability as being environment-friendly. However, it’s beyond that. Sustainability is all about the bigger picture, affecting not only the environment but also the community. Businesses must consider an all-encompassing approach to sustainability, also called the Triple Bottom Line. It involves considering three key areas: people, planet, and profit.
People – Social Sustainability
It focuses on the impact of construction on people. Precast concrete elements take much less time to get installed on the site
Since precast concrete elements are produced in the factory and only installed on the site, it takes much less time, minimizing pollution and disturbance to the neighborhood. Plus, it keeps the site clean and increases construction safety for laborers.
Planet – Environmental Sustainability
Precast concrete decreases construction’s negative environmental impact. Green buildings, which incorporate sustainable design principles, are a prime example of environmental sustainability.
Precast concrete plays a crucial role in green building. It offers energy efficiency through its thermal properties, reduces waste by minimizing on-site material usage, and often incorporates recycled materials. By contributing to these areas, precast concrete is a valuable component of sustainable construction.
Profit – Economic Sustainability
It ensures that construction projects are profitable and contribute to the overall economy. It involves using local materials and labor, minimizing costs, and maximizing returns on investment.
What Makes Precast Concrete An Ideal Construction Material?
There are several concrete sustainability benefits. It contributes significantly to our environment, improving it for current and future generations.
Consist Of Natural And Recycled Components
Precast concrete primarily comprises natural materials such as sand, gravel, and water. These raw materials are readily available and require little effort to extract. Furthermore, the concrete industry has made significant strides in incorporating recycled materials into production.
Recycled aggregates, reclaimed concrete, and industrial by-products are substitutes for raw materials. Many precast concrete plants employ closed-loop systems for concrete waste and water, which reduces the demand for natural resources, increases efficiency, and minimizes landfill waste.
Reduce Carbon Emission By Carbonation
One of precast concrete’s most significant environmental benefits is its ability to reduce carbon emissions. This is done through a process called carbonation.
In carbonation, atmospheric CO2 reacts with the calcium hydroxide in concrete and form calcium carbonate. This natural process effectively absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas levels.
While the concrete production process itself generates carbon emissions, precast concrete’s long-term carbon sequestration potential helps offset its carbon footprint.
According to an estimate, factory production of precast concrete can reduce CO2 emissions by 25%.
Increases Resource Efficiency
Precast concrete production is a highly efficient process that maximizes resource utilization. Producing concrete components in a controlled factory environment minimises waste and uses materials optimally.
Precise measurements and automated processes ensure only the necessary materials are used, reducing waste and conserving resources. Additionally, precast concrete elements are manufactured to specific dimensions, minimizing material wastage during construction.
The following table shows the substantial savings in concrete and steel quantities using precast concrete beams. Besides saving on material, precast concrete also helps lower dead weight and shear forces due to seismic loads. Thus, it is a great option for building in high seismic zones.
Decrease Construction Waste
Precast concrete significantly reduces construction waste compared to traditional cast-in-place concrete. Since the concrete components are produced in a controlled factory setting, there is less material spillage and over-ordering.
Moreover, precast elements are manufactured to precise dimensions, minimizing the need for on-site cutting and waste generation. By reducing waste, precast concrete helps to conserve resources and protect the environment.
Makes Energy-Efficient Buildings
Precast concrete offers excellent thermal mass properties that contribute to energy-efficient buildings. The material’s ability to store and release heat helps to regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
This energy efficiency translates into lower energy consumption by 25%. Plus, it saves costs on heating and cooling systems. Additionally, precast concrete can be integrated with insulation materials to enhance the energy performance of buildings further
Requires Less Human Resources
Precast concrete construction requires fewer workers on-site compared to traditional cast-in-place concrete. The majority of the manufacturing process takes place in a factory setting, where skilled labor is employed to produce high-quality concrete components.
On-site work primarily focuses on assembling precast elements, which a smaller workforce can perform. This reduction in labor requirements can lead to cost savings and increased project efficiency.
Promotes Occupational Safety For Construction Workers
Precast concrete construction is inherently safer than traditional cast-in-place concrete. Workers are exposed to fewer hazards since a significant portion of the construction process is carried out in a controlled factory environment. Less time and effort spent on the site also decreases the chances of construction site accidents.
Decrease Project Cost And Timeline
Precast concrete offers several advantages contributing to cost savings and accelerated project timelines. The controlled factory environment allows for efficient production, leading to faster construction schedules. Prefabrication of components reduces on-site labor costs and minimizes delays caused by weather conditions. By streamlining the construction process, precast concrete helps to reduce overall project costs and deliver projects on time.
Conclusion
Precast concrete emerges as a compelling champion for sustainable construction. From its cradle-to-grave lifecycle, it demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social well-being. Precast concrete offers a tangible path toward a greener and more sustainable future by reducing waste, conserving energy, and enhancing construction efficiency. Embracing precast concrete is not just a choice; it’s a step toward building a better world for future generations.
