Green Concrete

While those drab, grey slabs may not look very environmentally friendly on the surface, there are plenty green reasons to choose concrete for your next home improvement project to reduce your carbon footprint.

When comparing the impact of various building materials with regard to extraction, processing, construction, operation, demolition and recycling concrete stands out as a significant leader in sustainable development. This makes a great alternative environmentally friendly building material.

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a mixture of cement, gravel, water, sand and in each case depending on what the concrete will be used for, various aggregates .

Why concrete is eco friendly and how does it reduce the carbon footprint
-Availability
The most common raw material used in concrete is limestone, which is one of the most abundant and readily available resources on the earth. Besides this, concrete can be made with a number of recycled materials and waste product such as fly ash, silica fume and slag cement which all come from power plants, steel mills and other manufacturing facilities.

-Durability and sustainability
Many homeowners know that concrete is made to last. It does not rust, rot or burn making its life span much longer than other common building materials. Repairs may need to be made on the odd occasion but very seldom will concrete structures need to be completely destroyed and rebuilt for decades. Once built, the maintenance on a concrete structure is low and requires minimal effort which is a great advantage for today’s fast –paced lifestyle.

-Thermal and Light properties
Concrete walls, floors and foundations are airtight and have the thermal ability to absorb and retain heat. This will save you on energy bills to heat up your home in winter, and by the same token save you on cooling costs in the summer as light coloured concrete reflects light and has the ability to absorb less heat leaving your home at a much cooler temperature.
 

-Water Retention
Most concrete serves as a barrier to water and is a great insulator. This is great for houses and building structures but when used in driveways, pavements and patios this impervious surface can block natural water infiltration into the soil. Pervious concrete is an exception which is much friendlier to the environment. This sponge like concrete allows water to pass through it freely which can help retain water runoff and replenish local water supplies.
 

-Recycling and minimal waste
Concrete can be produced in the accurate quantities and when needed, reducing waste of excess produce. It can be crushed and used as aggregate in new concrete structures. This recycling saves having to have any waste transported to the landfill and eliminates costs of disposal. The energy in reusing this concrete is far less than having to mine, process and transport new aggregates. There are very few building materials that can be recycled the way concrete can.

Why it is not so eco friendly
Although the materials used in their most raw form are eco friendly, the carbon emissions that are created from the heat that is needed in cement production is responsible for between 5-7% of the world’s total carbon release which contributes to greenhouse gasses

Decorative concrete ideas for your floor

When most of us think about concrete flooring visions of the garage come to mind. However modern trends in concrete flooring have made this concept far too pretty to simply park your car on.
-Polished Concrete
A polished concrete  floor can give the illusion of a highly polished surface without the hazard of being slippery. This is a great idea for entrances as it makes for a good first impression.

-Acid Stained Concrete
A solution of acid, water and metallic salts create a natural looking colour pattern with mottled shades of the same hue. This is available in a variety of colours and the finished effect portrays absolute class and elegance.

-Scored Concrete
Scoring concrete is an effect that is achieved with the use of a circular saw that adds dimension to your floor through geometric shapes and patterns. This makes a great focal point for any room with the intricate patterns and bold colours.

-Stamped Concrete
A stencil type tool is used on fresh concrete to create any pattern to resemble tiles, bricks and even wood grain. Any combinations of pictures, designs and colours can be utilised making this one of the most imaginative decorating choices when it comes to concrete.

A nice idea: Incorporate recycled products such as crushed glass, bits of recycled plastic, marble chips, metal shavings and even seashells into your decorative concrete floors. This can create a plethora of desirable looks and feels.

With heaps of options, styles and designs and relatively low maintenance, it’s not a surprise that concrete has become a modern trend in sprucing up your home.