SUSTAINABILITY
The term Sustainability is commonly used but is sometimes misunderstood. The term has come into general use due to widespread concerns over human impact on the environment due to rapid economic development in many parts of the world. Two particular concerns are that the overuse of finite resources such as oil and many other raw materials, will limit economic growth and effect the ability of future generations to fulfill their needs. Another concern is climate change which many scientists believe is linked to the production of 'greenhouse gasses' such as Carbon Dioxide. Limiting the production of greenhouse gasses is one of the main aims of the 'Kyoto' agreement to which Ireland is a signatory.
The concept of Sustainability is based on Environmental, Economic and Social criteria. Concrete is in fact one of the sustainable building materials in terms of both energy consumed during manufacture and its inherent properties in use.
The fact that raw materials are sourced locally reduce the enironmental impact of concrete when compared to other materials which have to be imported. In addition, the ICF Environmental Code is assisting members to carry out the their business in a manner which minimises adverse effects on the environment and the local community. The industry is also making significant progress towards reducing the embodied energy of its products. By utilizing concrete's thermal mass, designers can eliminate the need for energy-thirsty air conditioning and design buildings which are more energy efficient than lightweight structures and more comfortable for the occupants. The first A-rated home in Ireland was a concrete built house clearly showing that concrete homes can achieve the highest level of energy efficiency thereby further reducing the impact on the environment while, in addition, reducing heating and cooling bills. Concrete's durability, moisture resistance and flexibility reduce the need for repair and maintenance while it's inherent fire safety and sound insulation properties are key advantages that concrete enjoys over other products which contribute to the safety and comfort of our homes and buildings. Concrete is also a recyclable material with an ever increasing level of recycled materials being used, particularly for public infrastructure projects.
There is always room for progress and the Irish concrete industry is putting considerable resources into improving the Sustainability performance of its materials and construction methods. The Federation has published a number of articles and brochures to advise architects and specifiers on the best strategic use of concrete materials.
Sustainability, Find out more
- Editorial, Sustainability, when words loose their meaning / Concrete Today, May 2007 Click here.
- Concrete progress, The cement industry response to Kyoto / Concrete Today, August 2006 Click here.
- Chalmers University Study, The end of the 'Wood for Good' campaign / Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here.
- Editorial, Time for an end to false environmental claims/ Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here.
- Concrete and Sustainability, Arcitect, Meritt Bucholz presentation to ERMCO conference Helsinki / Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here.
- Editorial, Sustainability / Concrete Today, Dec 2003 Click here.
- Sustainability, Global warming debate heats up / Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here.
- Concrete and Sustainability / Concrete Today, Dec 2003 Click here.
- Fingal County Hall / Concrete Today, July 2002 Click here.
- Rainman water recycling system wins top award / Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here.
- New independent reports show Irish concrete in a favourable light / Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here.
Energy Performance, Thermal Mass, Find out more
- Thermal Mass and Sustainability / Concrete Today, May 2007 Click here.
- Design Principles of Thermal Mass / Concrete Today, August 2006 Click here.
- English schools close due to overheating / Concrete Today, Dec 2006 Click here.
- Using Thermal Mass to improve energy performance / Concrete Today, August 2006 Click here.
- Masonry Eco House / Concrete Today, May 2005 Click here..
- Concrete competes on thermal performance / Concrete Today, Nov 2005 Click here.
- Architect calls for an end to the obsession with lightweight buildings / Concrete Today, Nov 2005 Click here.
