In 1987, Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Bruntland defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.  Sustainability is now defined more colloquially as The Green Movement. In the concrete industry, design decisions on each and every major building, property development or paving project from now on will be made with one very discernable eye on the resulting effects on the environment – and that is a good thing!

The concrete industry offers a broad spectrum of solutions designed to achieve a balance between what we need and the sustainable way to meet those needs.

1. Durability – Concrete lasts a long time without discernable deterioration. 
2. Energy Performance – Concrete buildings use less energy.
3. Heat Island Reduction – Concrete reflects rather than absorbs heat.
4. Lighting Efficiencies – The high reflectivity of concrete allows less lighting. 
5. Locally Produced – Materials used in concrete production are obtained locally, decreasing high energy transportation costs.
6. Recyclable – Concrete can be completely recycled and reused.
7. Recycled Content – Concrete uses recycled materials that would otherwise be sent to landfills.

To learn more about these and other sustainable benefits of concrete, go to the Portland Cement Association website: www.concretethinker.com. 

The Illinois Ready Mixed Concrete Association hopes that readers of this article use the information herein and the links provided not only to learn about the green benefits of concrete, but also to begin thinking about how each can make his/her business and home more green as well.  We all need to do our part!