FICAP Resources

• Concrete is used in buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, sewerage systems pavements, runways and even roads.

• Concrete, being inert, compact and non-porous, does not attract mould or lose its key properties over time

• Compared to other comparable building materials e.g. steel, concrete is less costly to produce and remains extremely affordable

• Being naturally fire-resistant concrete forms a highly effective barrier to fire spread

• CO2 emissions from concrete and cement production are relatively small compared to other building materials.
• 80% of a buildings CO₂ emissions are generated not by the production of the materials used in its construction, but in the electric utilities of the building over its life-cycle (e.g. lighting, heating, air-conditioning)

• Producing concrete uses less energy than producing other comparable building materials.
• A study quoted by the NRMCA concluded that the energy required to produce one ton of concrete was 1.4 GJ/t compared to 30 GJ/t for steel and 2GJ/t for wood

Energy of Production for Common Materials
Source: National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA)

• Concrete walls and floors slow the passage of heat moving through, reducing temperature swings
• This reduces energy needs from heating or air-conditioning, offering year-round energy savings over the life-time of the building
• One study quoted by the NRMCA found that concrete walls reduce energy requirements for a typical home by more than 17%

• The relative expense of land transport usually limits cement and concrete sales to within 300km of a plant site.
• Very little cement and concrete is traded and transported internationally
• This saves significantly on transport emissions of CO₂ that would otherwise occur

• The high "albedo" (reflective qualities" of concrete used in pavements and building walls means more light is reflected and less heat is absorbed, resulting in cooler temperatures
• This reduces the "urban heat island" effect prevalent in cities today, and hence reduces energy use for e.g. air-conditioning