Eco-friendly concrete construction starts with producers and suppliers.
WITH GREEN BUILDING codes and measurements becoming more mainstream, sustainability has become more than a buzzword in the concrete industry. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes production methods or consulting at the jobsite, contractors and specifiers expect producers to provide the expertise and resources that make concrete a sustainable solution.
Many producers have benefited from making sustainability a key part of their business. Cemex recently launched its Ecoperating brand, which will indicate sustainable aspects of its products and services, such as thermal insulation, use of recycled raw materials, and reduced CO2 footprint. “The Ecoperating seal will help our clients identify Cemex’s initiative to foster its sustainable development through the building solutions [we provide],” says Vicente Saiso, Cemex’s sustainability director.
While the global producer has the resources to 0ffer solutions such as concrete pavements with smart LED lighting and initiatives to build affordable housing, there are simple ways to boost environ- mental responsibility. Producers of any size can incorporate paperless invoicing, alternative Fuels, or low-carbon admixtures into their operations. (For more on reduced-carbon cement alternatives, see the Beyond Green column on page 16.)
Following are products and services that can help producers meet customer’s green construction needs.
A Volumetric concrete mixers
The Zim-Mixer features a dual-chain material feed system that offers low maintenance costs and can run materials independently, eliminating material waste. The company works with customers to design custom volumetric concrete mixes that use waste products such as fly ash, silica fume, and slag, as well as soil reclamation/remediation, to meet their green mix design requirements. Zimmerman Industries Inc. 888-57745499. www.zimmermaninduslries.com
Sort recyclables
MB-S screening buckets are ideal for sorting natural materials before or after crushing. The screens salvage desired materials by reducing crushing times by up to 60%. Recycling demolished materials on the spot allows recycled products to be reused on the same projects or prepared for sale. MB America. 855-622-4196. www.mbcrusher.com
Sustainable waterproofing mix
Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) concrete waterproofing admixture is an environmentally friendly alternative for creating waterproof concrete. The admixture tums concrete into a waterproof barrier; extends the life of concrete structures, and enables the future recycling of concrete materials. Mixer-ready pulp able bags reduce jobsite waste. Kryton International Inc. 800-267-8280. www.kryton.com
Source: http://www.theconcreteproducer.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1409&articleID=1919918
