According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cement production accounted for approximately 829 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide in 2000. US Build It Green published a report in 2005 stating that the manufacture of Portland cement accounted for 6-7% of the total global carbon dioxide produced by humans, adding the greenhouse gas equivalent of 330 million cars driving 12,500 miles per year.
Concrete is composed of gravel, sand, water, and Portland cement, and is a fundamental building component of almost every project – So how do we balance concrete production with environmental concerns? One solution is to add Fly Ash to Portland cement. Fly Ash is a waste product/non combustible by-product of coal-fired power plants and generally ends up in a landfill. Made up of silica, alumina, and iron, Fly Ash when mixed with Portland cement, results is stronger concrete with less carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Moreover, due to its strength and lower water content, cracking is reduced.
PRODUCT COMPARISONS
|
High Volume Fly Ash Concrete |
Conventional Concrete |
| Higher ultimate strength | Weaker ultimate strength |
| Requires less water | Requires more water |
| Creates fewer global warming gases |
Creates more global warming gases |
| Less energy intensive manufacture | Energy intensive manufacture |
| More durable | Less durable |
| Uses a waste by-product | Uses virgin materials only |
US Green Building Council considers Fly Ash concrete to be an important component to building a high scoring LEED certified home. It will be much harder for your project to achieve “Platinum Status” with traditional Portland cement. Fly Ash is arguably a more superior product compared to conventional concrete; in addition, it helps the environment by reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions and limiting waist ending up in landfills.
To find out more about Fly Ash and how it can help your building project please visit: www.builditgreen.org or feel free to contact us here at Doyle Construction.