What Is Green Concrete? It Could Change the Construction Game

The wave of green concrete products crashing over the building industry is exciting, and not just because they present a major solution for climate change. In addition to shrinking the carbon footprint of new builds, green concrete and concrete alternatives are often also superior in terms of durability and temperature regulation. Some can even self-heal themselves.

“Green concrete is a game-changer in construction sustainability,” says Sofia Vyshnevska, co-founder of NewHomesMate. “It’s not a buzzword anymore. Its growth is being pushed by stronger environmental restrictions and a desire from both consumers and businesses for more sustainable building practices.”

If you’re curious about using it for your next project, here’s what to know about green cement and concrete.

What Is Green Concrete?

Green concrete, is an environmentally friendly alternative to regular concrete. There are many kinds of green concrete, but the aim of them all is to lessen the greenhouse gas emissions that come from the energy-intensive process of making regular cement (the main component of concrete).

This is important, because concrete is the most-used man-made material in the world, and the cement used in it is responsible for 8% of global carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions.

“The acceleration and deployment of green concrete technologies is, therefore, an imperative step to reaching net-zero emissions, leading to the crucial trendiness of decarbonized concrete solutions seen today,” says a spokesperson for CarbiCrete.

How Is Green Concrete Made?

The process for making green concrete and masonry products is often similar to making traditional cement, but instead it uses industrial byproducts that would otherwise go to waste, such as fly ash, silica fume and blast-furnace slag.

“This switch isn’t just about being environmentally friendly; it actually can boost the durability of the concrete and make it easier to work with,” says Steve Britchford, senior partner at Polycote.

Some companies, like CarbiCrete, are going a step further in decarbonizing. Besides replacing traditional cement with steel slag, CarbiCrete uses a carbon mineralization technology to capture and trap carbon in its products, permanently removing it from the atmosphere.

How Much Does Green Concrete Cost?

The cost of green concrete varies. Some products are a little more expensive, especially in locations remote from major cities, but others are comparable.

“As green technology becomes more widely used, the cost gap is shrinking,” says Vyshnevska.

Also, when you factor in green concrete’s overall benefits, like lower maintenance costs, greater durability, long-term savings on utility bills and environmental benefits, it’s usually worth the investment, says Britchford.

Green Concrete Pros and Cons

Pros of Green Concrete

• Reduced carbon emissions
• Usually more durable
• Often higher tensile strength and less prone to spalling
• Often, better temperature regulation or thermal rating
• Long-term energy savings
• Possible tax breaks
• Can help obtain LEED points for green building certification
• Often particularly well-suited for coastal and industrial projects
• Recycles industrial byproducts that would otherwise go to waste
• Less landscape damage and dust pollution from quarry mining
• Sometimes, less-intensive water use in manufacturing
• Inventive design and engineering opportunities.

“Green cement tends to be a great choice for areas like basements or garage floors because of its lasting durability and lower environmental change,” says Britchford.

Cons of Green Concrete

• Sometimes more expensive, depending on the type and process involved
• Not readily accessible in some locations
• Some require a learning curve in building techniques and engineering

Is Green Concrete Right for My Project?

Often, yes, green concrete will work for your project, but not always. It all comes down to how important sustainability is for your project versus the cost and availability of materials in your location.

“If sustainability is important to you and you operate in a region where green concrete is accessible, this is an excellent option,” says Vyshnevska. “The environmental benefits are enormous, and you’ll be helping to create a more sustainable future.”

About the Experts

• Sofia Vyshnevska is a housing expert and co-founder of NewHomesMate, a marketplace for new construction homes, where she focuses on evolving industry trends and manages a team of more than 100 employees.
• Steve Britchford is a senior partner at Polycote, a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial building and maintenance products. Through his work on industrial floors, garages and basements, he’s become well-versed on the use of green concrete/cement.
• CarbiCrete is a Montreal-based carbon removal technology company developing innovative, low-cost building solutions that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s patented technology enables the production of cement-free, CO2-sequestering concrete.

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