Written by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Mosaberpanah Director of Panah Construction

Sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a holistic approach that aims to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure long- term sustainability. Sustainable development involves the use of resources in a responsible and efficient manner, minimizing waste and pollution, and promoting social and economic equity. It requires a long-term perspective that considers the potential impacts of current actions on future generations.

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world and is integral to modern construction. It is the backbone of our infrastructure, forming the basis of roads, bridges, buildings, and many other structures. The construction industry has a significant impact on the environment, and concrete production is no exception. The production of one ton of portland cement produces about one ton of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. This is a major concern since GHGs have a significant impact on climate change, which poses a significant threat to the planet. The environmental issues associated with GHGs, in addition to natural resources issues, will play a leading role in the sustainable development of the cement and concrete industry during this century. For example, as the supply of good-quality limestone to produce cement decreases, producing adequate amounts of portland cement for construction will become more difficult. There is a possibility that when there is no more good-quality limestone in a geographical region, and thus no portland cement, all the employment associated with the concrete industry, as well as new construction projects, will be terminated.

Because of limited natural resources, concern over GHGs, or both, cement production is being curtailed, or at least cannot be increased to keep up with the population increase, in some regions of the world. Therefore, it is necessary to look for sustainable solutions for future concrete construction. A sustainable concrete structure is constructed to ensure that the total environmental impact during its life cycle, including its use, will be minimal.

How to achieve sustainable concrete ?

To achieve sustainable concrete, several key practices and considerations can be implemented throughout the production and construction process. Here are some steps to promote sustainability in concrete:

• Use alternative cementitious materials: Reduce the reliance on traditional portland cement by incorporating alternative cementitious materials such as fly ash, slag, or silica fume. These materials often have lower carbon footprints and can enhance the durability and performance of concrete.

• Optimize concrete mix design: Carefully select the proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures to create a mix design that maximizes strength and performance while minimizing environmental impact. This involves considering the use of locally sourced materials and minimizing waste generation.

• Incorporate recycled materials: Utilize recycled aggregates, such as crushed concrete or demolished waste, as a replacement for virgin aggregates. This reduces the need for extracting new materials, conserves resources, and reduces landfill waste.

• Improve energy efficiency: Implement energy- efficient practices in concrete production, such as optimizing kiln operations, using alternative fuels, and reducing energy consumption during manufacturing processes. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with concrete production.

• Promote responsible sourcing: Source materials from suppliers that follow sustainable practices, ensuring they adhere to ethical and environmental standards. Consider factors such as responsible mining, fair labor practices, and environmentally friendly transportation methods.

Enhance durability: Design concrete structures to have increased durability and longevity. This includes utilizing high-quality materials, proper construction techniques, and incorporating measures to protect against environmental factors like moisture, chemical exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Reduce waste and promote recycling: Minimize waste generation during production and construction by accurately estimating material quantities, implementing efficient construction practices, and encouraging the recycling of concrete waste and by-products.

Encourage green building certifications: Aim for green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) to ensure that sustainability goals are met and recognized.

Consider life cycle assessment: Evaluate the environmental impact of concrete throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. This holistic approach helps identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to minimize environmental burdens.

Embrace innovative technologies: Explore and adopt new technologies and advancements in concrete production and construction, such as 3D printing, self-healing concrete, and carbon capture and utilization techniques. These innovations can significantly improve sustainability and performance.

In summary, sustainability is crucial for our planet's well- being and human development, and concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials worldwide. However, the production of portland cement, an essential component of concrete, releases a significant amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly CO2. As natural resources become limited, producing adequate amounts of cement for construction becomes difficult. To combat this issue, sustainable solutions for future concrete construction are necessary. Sustainable concrete structures should have a low energy requirement, produce minimal waste, be made from plentiful resources, and be durable. They should also have a minimal impact on the environment and use green materials that are recyclable and have low energy costs.

Sustainable development in the concrete industry encompasses minimizing environmental impacts, optimizing resource use, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting durability, and considering social and economic aspects. By adopting sustainable practices, utilizing alternative materials, and embracing innovative technologies, the concrete industry can contribute to a more sustainable built environment while supporting economic growth and social well-being.

No 13, Block A5, Angel Towers, Famagusta, North Cyprus 

+90 (548) 822 25 00 | www.panahgroup.com | info@panahgroup.com