Concrete – The backbone of sustainable construction

Concrete plays a vital part in our daily lives. It shapes the built environment around us, from schools, hospitals and housing to roads, bridges, tunnels, runways, dams and sewerage systems. Few people realise that concrete is in fact the most used man-made material in the world, with three tons used annually for each man, woman and child. Indeed, there is twice as much concrete used globally when compared to of all other building materials combined, including wood, steel, plastic and aluminium. Its strength, durability, thermal mass and affordability make it the material of choice for most purposes.

Through its use of local raw materials to construct resilient and durable buildings and structures which can be adapted or recycled at the end of a long life, concrete meets the highest standards across the economic, environmental and societal pillars of sustainability.

Concrete truly is the backbone of sustainable construction.

Society 

  • Concrete provides the necessary foundation for a safe and resilient built environment, as well as solutions to societal challenges such as those induced by increasing urbanisation.

  • Affordability, flexibility and energy efficiency make concrete a material of choice for infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, public buildings and transport infrastructure.

  • Concrete can be cast into virtually any shape or form, which allows for design freedom and an almost infinite variety of applications.

Economy 

  • As a central pillar of the construction sector, concrete is a driver of economic growth, with a unique multiplier effect on jobs and economic activity.

  • Concrete is a main enabler of modern construction, providing multiple and unique properties, flexibility and value for money.

  • Concrete is a local business across the entire value chain, deeply rooted in local economies. A local product for a local market.

Environment 

  • Concrete absorbs temperature variations (by its thermal mass) which reduces energy consumption in buildings.

  • Thanks to use of alternative fuels and by-products from other industries, and end-of-life recycling, concrete is an integral part of the circular economy.

  • Through quarry rehabilitation, the concrete sector contributes to creating protected local biodiversity hotspots and ecosystems.

Concrete and Economic Growth

The Aggregates and Concrete Product Industry

Environment

Quarries and Aggregates

How Concrete Is Made

Society