Sustainability
Concrete is one of the most versatile, durable and cost-effective building materials known to man. It is also environmentally sustainable, with green credentials that outperform both steel and timber.
In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". This definition of sustainability is widely accepted and is now commonly used by non-governmental organisations, governments and businesses the world over.
The term sustainability covers a wide range of issues, including:
- social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
- effective protection of the environment
- prudent use of natural resources
- maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment
Sustainability is of increasing importance to businesses, because it provides a focussed way of addressing a range of economic, social and environmental issues that can help in the efficient, effective and responsible operation of those businesses. Consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable products; products that are made in the UK using local materials, products that are durable and have a good whole-life performance.
When considering the cradle-to-cradle impact of a building material - extraction, processing, construction, operation, demolition and recycling - concrete makes a significant contribution to the triple bottom line of sustainable development (Environmental, Social and Economic).
Environmental benefits of concrete
- thermal mass of concrete contributes to operating energy efficiency and reduced cooling costs
- longer lasting structures - reducing energy needs for maintenance and reconstruction
- made-to-order concrete means less construction waste
- no need for additional interior or exterior finishes
- light reflectance - light coloured walls reduce interior lighting requirement
- a well designed concrete building that takes advantage of long floor spans with column-free space is adaptable to a variety of occupants
- reduced transport costs as concrete is produced in the UK
- embodied energy is 'heavy' materials
- used concrete can be 100% recycled as aggregate for use in roadbeds or as a granular material (see www.tarmac.co.uk/recycling for further information)
- concrete is a small net contributor to greenhouse gases responsible for 2.6% of UK CO2 emissions in 2002. This compares with 33% of total CO2 emissions from transport and 47% from buildings in use.
Social benefits of concrete
- improved indoor air quality
- no toxic or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from concrete that contribute to sick building syndrome
- polished concrete floors do not require carpet finishes
- exposed concrete does not need to be painted
- concrete does not sustain mould growth
- Safety - fire (concrete is completely non-combustible, wind, vibration, sound transmission, seismic resistant and flood resistant.
Economic benefits of concrete
- low transportation costs as concrete is produced in the UK
- cost-effective and highly competitive building material
- less maintenance
- lower operating costs - thermal mass characteristics help to moderate heating and cooling peaks and lower HVAC equipment requirements
- lower lighting costs due to reflectance of material
- energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings can be reduced by up to 50%
- resistant to wear and tear, severe weather, rot, insects and fire
- buildings last longer so don't need to factor in the cost of rebuilding
As a socially and environmentally responsible company, Tarmac Topfloor not only contributes to sustainable development through the manufacture of precast concrete products but we also apply this philosophy to every aspect of our business from sourcing locally produced products, supporting our local community and recycling office waste to teaching our employees how to apply this to their everyday lives at home as well. All this in a bid to ensure that we facilitate long-term sustainability - a prerequisite for the sustainability of our children and future generations.
Some information provided by The Concrete Centre, an independent central development organisation for the UK cement and concrete industry - www.concretecentre.com
Information also provided by British Precast,Concrete Federation (BPCF), the trade association of precast concrete manufacturers - www.britishprecast.org
