At Base Concrete, we want to be honest about how our products affect the environment. Concrete is important for building, but there are many wrong ideas about its carbon footprint. Let’s look at what’s true and what’s not, and how we’re working to make our concrete mix more planet-friendly.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide or CO₂) released into the air by human activities. When we talk about concrete’s carbon footprint, we mean all the greenhouse gas emissions created from start to finish – digging up sand and aggregates, making cement, mixing the concrete, delivering it, and even what happens when a concrete building is eventually torn down.
The United Nations and climate scientists around the world are concerned about greenhouse gases because they trap heat in our atmosphere and cause climate change. The main greenhouse gases from concrete production are carbon dioxide (CO₂), but there can also be some nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH4) released during certain parts of the process.
The Truth About Concrete and the Environment
Concrete is the most used building material in the world, and for good reason! It’s strong, versatile, and lasts a very long time. However, making concrete does create greenhouse gas emissions, especially during cement production.
The main worry is cement – the “glue” in concrete mixes. Making cement requires very high temperatures (over 1400°C), which uses lots of energy. Plus, the chemical process itself releases CO₂ when limestone is heated. For every tonne of cement produced, about one tonne of CO₂ is released into the air.
But not all concrete mix designs have the same impact. At Base Concrete, we work hard to lower our carbon footprint by carefully designing our concrete mixes and improving our production process.
Learn more about how the concrete industry is addressing greenhouse gas emissions through research and innovation by reading this report from the Institution of Civil Engineers about how the construction sector could more than halve emissions from concrete by 2035.
Common Concrete Mix Ratios and Their Environmental Impact
Different types of concrete have different environmental impacts. Common concrete mix ratios typically use a combination of cement, sand and aggregates, and water. A standard mix might use 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 4 parts aggregates, plus the right amount of water to make it workable.
The cement has the biggest carbon footprint in this mix. By changing these ratios and adding other materials, we can make concrete mixes that are better for the environment while still providing the desired strength for construction projects.
For example, high strength concrete doesn’t always need more cement – sometimes it’s about having the perfect balance of ingredients and using special additives that make the concrete perform better.
Myths About Concrete’s Environmental Impact
Myth 1: All Concrete is Equally Bad for the Environment
Truth: Different concrete mixes have different carbon footprints. By changing the mix ratio and using different materials, we can make concrete with fewer greenhouse gas emissions while keeping the desired strength.
Our ready mix concrete includes options that are better for the environment. Some of our mixes reduce GHG emissions by replacing some cement with other materials that work just as well.
Myth 2: Eco-Friendly Concrete is Weaker
Truth: Low-carbon concrete can be just as strong as regular concrete. In fact, some of our high strength concrete mixes use materials that replace some cement while still meeting all strength requirements for big construction projects.
The setting times and how the concrete works in different environmental conditions stay the same or even get better! For instance, some eco-friendly additives actually help the concrete last longer in harsh environments.
Myth 3: Nothing Can Be Done About Concrete’s Environmental Impact
Truth: The concrete industry is working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through better mix designs and production processes. Even the United Nations recognizes that improving concrete is important for fighting climate change.
Researchers and companies like ours are finding new ways to make concrete more environmentally friendly every day. Some exciting new technologies even trap CO₂ inside the concrete permanently!
Myth 4: Making Concrete Green is Too Expensive
Truth: While some eco-friendly options might cost a bit more upfront, they often save money in the long run. Concrete with a lower carbon footprint can be more durable, reducing repair and replacement costs over time.
As more construction projects demand greener materials, the price difference is getting smaller too. At Base Concrete, we work hard to keep our environmentally-friendly options affordable.
How We’re Making Our Concrete Better for the Planet
At Base Concrete, we’re taking several steps to reduce our carbon footprint:
1. Smarter Mix Designs
We carefully design our concrete mixes to use less cement while still giving you the strength you need. By adjusting the amount of water and finding the perfect balance of sand and aggregates, we can make strong concrete with less environmental impact.
For projects that need high strength concrete, we don’t just add more cement – we use scientific mix designs that are more efficient.
2. Alternative Materials
We use materials that can replace some cement in our mixes. These include:
- Fly ash (a byproduct from power plants)
- Ground granulated blast furnace slag (from steel production)
- Other materials that react similarly to cement but with a smaller carbon footprint
3. Efficient Production Process
Our plants are designed to use less energy and produce less waste. We:
- Recycle water used in production
- Optimise how we use energy
- Carefully control the amount of water in each mix
- Use cleaner fuels where possible
4. Smart Delivery
Our mini mixers are perfect for smaller jobs, reducing waste and ensuring you only get exactly what you need. For larger deliveries, we plan routes carefully to use less fuel.
Concrete Types and Their Environmental Benefits
| Concrete Type | Environmental Benefit | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Mix | Optimised cement content | General construction |
| Eco Mix | 30% lower carbon footprint | Most building projects |
| High Strength | Efficient use of materials | Structural elements |
| Specialised Mixes | Designed for specific environmental conditions | Challenging locations |
Our domestic concrete mixes for home projects are made with the same care for the environment as our big commercial concrete batches for larger construction projects.
The Future of Concrete
The concrete industry is changing for the better. New technologies are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from concrete production. Some exciting developments include:
- Concrete that absorbs CO₂ from the air as it hardens
- Using renewable energy in production
- Capturing carbon during cement manufacturing
- Creating new types of cement that produce far fewer emissions
At Base Concrete, we stay up-to-date with these innovations and implement them when they’re ready for real-world use.
Plan Your Project with the Environment in Mind
Not sure how much concrete you need? Use our concrete calculator to avoid waste. Ordering too much concrete isn’t just expensive – it’s also bad for the environment.
For large construction projects, we can help you choose the right mix that balances strength, cost, and environmental impact. Our experts understand how different mix designs perform in various environmental conditions, from freezing temperatures to hot, humid days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does concrete affect climate change?
A: Concrete production creates about 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from making cement. But newer production methods and mix designs are helping reduce this impact. Each step in making concrete – from mining materials to mixing and transporting – contributes to its carbon footprint.
Q: What makes concrete more eco-friendly?
A: Using fewer parts aggregates, different types of cement substitutes, recycled materials, and controlling the amount of water all help make concrete greener. The setting times and strength development remain similar to traditional concrete, so there’s no sacrifice in quality.
Q: Can I use low-carbon concrete for my project?
A: Yes! Low-carbon concrete works for most construction projects. Our team can help pick the right mix for your needs based on the desired strength and environmental conditions. Learn more about sustainable concrete options.
Q: Is eco-friendly concrete more expensive?
A: Sometimes it costs a bit more upfront, but the environmental benefits are worth it. As more people choose it, prices are coming down. Many construction projects now consider the total carbon footprint as part of their budget planning, making greener options more attractive.
Q: Does concrete with a lower carbon footprint take longer to set?
A: Most eco-friendly concrete mixes have similar setting times to traditional concrete. Some might set slightly differently depending on temperature and other environmental conditions, but our experts can advise you on what to expect for your specific project.
At Base Concrete, we’re committed to providing high-quality ready mix concrete while reducing our impact on the planet. Want to learn more about concrete with a lower carbon footprint? Contact our team today or check out our website for more information about making your next construction project more environmentally friendly.
