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One of the most common materials in the world for construction, concrete is long-lasting, affordable and adaptable to many designs. The big question, however, is it a sustainable product? Read on as we uncover the truth about concrete.

The origin of modern-day concrete

Dating back to the early 19th century, modern concrete was originally a creation of Leeds bricklayer, Joseph Aspdin. He used a process that burned finely ground chalk and clay until the carbon dioxide was removed, and coined his invention Portland Cement. The name came from the fine white building stone that you can find in Portland, Dorset, which was used for many high-status buildings in parts of Britain. Fast forward to modern construction methods, concrete is still a popular choice, and the industry is making determined efforts towards reducing its environmental impact.

Is concrete sustainable?

Yes, concrete, is a sustainable product that can be used to build environmentally responsible homes. In fact, try to replace concrete with another substitute product and you'll have trouble trying to find an alternative with the same permanence and thermal qualities. Concrete is, therefore, emerging as the champion when it comes to green builds and is a friend of the environment at any stage of its life. If you're looking to use or specify the material in a manner conducive to sustainable construction, here's more on the performance benefits of concrete in building design:

Why concrete is a modern viable source

Resource efficiency

Limestone, the most prevalent mineral on the planet, is the most used raw material for cement in concrete. Fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume are all waste byproducts from power plants, steel mills, and other production facilities that can also be used to make concrete. The development of new concrete additives, however, could produce a stronger, more workable material while lowering the quantity of CO2 emissions.

Minimal waste

Concrete can be made in the exact quantities required for each project which means it results in less wastage. When a concrete structure has completed its purpose, it can be also crushed and recycled into aggregate for use in new concrete pavements, backfill, or road base.

Durability

Because of the long life of concrete, it is more likely that a concrete structure will be demolished because no other use can be found for it, rather than because the concrete has collapsed due to age. In these situations, demolition is not always the best option. Many structures can be stripped back to their concrete core and reconstructed to new, modern criteria.

Thermal mass

Homes built with concrete foundations and walls are highly energy efficient because they make the most of the materials ability to absorb and retain heat. This is also anticipated to be helpful in the future for controlling indoor temperatures and, in particular, reducing overheating in buildings.

Flood resilience

Concrete is naturally water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for large constructions like basements and bridges. Variations in the mix of ingredients, however, can affect concrete's degree of porosity which is why some surfaces like external paving will need to be sealed.

COP26 explained

The United Nations' COP26 event is a global summit on climate change and how the world governments plan to address the problem. COP26 was scheduled to take place in Glasgow last year, with over 200 international leaders expected to attend, but everything altered when the coronavirus arrived. Thankfully, the summit will finally be taking place in November this year and will be the 26th since its launch in 1994. You can find out more about COP26 here and the goals for 2021 - only by working together will we be able to rise to the challenges of the climate crisis.

FILA's action towards a sustainable future

Easy to source and recycle, concrete is a healthier alternative to most flooring. This is because it doesn't emit harmful emissions; in fact, the use of concrete can also significantly reduce total VOC concentrations inside a building. At FILA, we love our planet, and our concrete cleaners and sealers are just as environmentally friendly as the material itself. Check out our VOC free Green Line products that can be used for both walls and floors - it's simply honest concrete maintenance done the right way:

• CLEANER PRO - a pH-neutral cleaner for the day to day cleaning of concrete
• CONCRETE SHIELD - a water-based protector for concrete floors
• MP90 ECO XTREME - the best green protector for concrete worktops

If you're undertaking a new concrete project, why not speak to our technical team to  get the best advice on the products you need ? We intend to be carbon neutral by 2040, and as a company, we are crushing that goal - why not try our water-based protector or pH-neutral cleaner from the FILA  Green Line ? Thanks again.