- New "green concrete" is made from recycled materials
- The concrete is more durable, energy efficient, and cost-effective
- Reduces waste, conserves resources and benefits the environment
A new process for creating concrete could help the construction process become more environmentally friendly according to a new report by engineering company Hatch.
Structural engineer at Hatch Australasia, Dr Ezgi Kaya said unlike conventional concrete, which requires a considerable amount of energy and resources to produce, the new “green concrete” minimises the use of Portland cement and makes the process more environmentally friendly.
“To date, green concrete has been used in more than 60 projects across different sectors in Australia, including infrastructure, buildings, industrial, marine and geotechnical,” said Dr Kaya.
Recycled materials help to create new concrete
Dr Kaya said Australia is a country that has a vast potential for the new type of concrete, thanks to its abundance of resources such as recycled aggregates, fly ash and slag. These materials can be used as a replacement for traditional aggregates and cement, making the production of green concrete more eco-friendly.
Green concrete offers numerous benefits beyond being more environmentally friendly, and its use in construction can lead to more resilient infrastructure.
Dr Kaya said that the new concrete has improved durability and often lasts longer than traditional concrete due to its better resistance to cracking and shrinkage.
“This is because it typically contains additives that improve the concrete’s strength and reduce the amount of water needed for mixing, which delivers a more durable finished product.”
More energy efficient
Dr Kaya said it may also improve energy efficiency which can reduce costs.
“It is designed to have better insulation properties, thus lowering the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings made from the material.”
While green concrete is slightly more expensive to produce than traditional concrete, she said it offers cost savings in the long term.
“This is because it typically requires less maintenance and repair over its lifetime, which means lower ongoing costs for building owners and operators.”
Dr Kaya said the new concrete helps reduce waste by using recycled materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
“This helps conserve natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of construction projects.”
High profile adopters
The use of green concrete is already gaining traction around the world. It has been used in the construction of high-profile buildings such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
In Australia, the benefits of green concrete are being recognised by industry leaders, who are advocating for its widespread adoption. Hatch’s engineers are working with clients to identify projects in which green concrete can be used. The goal is to make this the new normal within the next few years.
Dr Kaya said embracing this new type of concrete will also lead to a more resilient built environment.
