Four Reasons why Concrete is a Green and Sustainable Choice
Concrete has garnered a very undeserved reputation as a material that is both unsustainable and contributes substantially to the world’s carbon footprint.
However, there are several ways in which concrete helps to reduce CO2 emissions over its lifetime, as well as many ways in which it can be made of recycled and sustainable materials.
Madmix, local concrete suppliers in Cambridgeshire, highlight four key ‘green’ advantages of using concrete.
It Lasts Longer than Many Alternatives
Concrete is an incredibly durable and long-lasting material. So much so that many Roman structures made of concrete are still standing after more than 2000 years. Concrete can withstand centuries of weathering, the constant battering of waves and even earthquakes.
Its ability to withstand water that doesn’t just make it a good material for dams and bridges, but also for buildings susceptible to flooding. It is also more fire-resistant than many of the alternatives.
Many concrete structures end up being demolished, not because of a fault with the building, but because the site needs to be put to another use.
It Can be Made from Natural and Recycled Products
The main ingredient of concrete, limestone, is naturally abundant and plentiful. Other ingredients such as sand, gravel, and stone are also increasingly being mined in more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways.
Recycled materials can also be used when making concrete, such as fly ash from coal-fired power stations. However, best of all, you can grind down concrete and use it again, instead of having to mine aggregates such as sand and gravel.
You Can Cut Down on Heating Bills
Concrete has a high thermal mass. Put very simply, this means that it can store heat for long periods of time. For example, concrete buildings will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer than buildings made of other materials. Therefore, concrete buildings do not just save you money in the form of lower energy bills they also help the planet too by creating fewer emissions.
There’s No Need for Waste
However big or small your project, you can order exactly how much you need from Madmix with the help of our online concrete calculator. All you have to do is enter the length, width, and depth of the area you wish to fill, and you will be shown the amount you need to place an order for. Knowing how much you need doesn’t just remove the headaches of over- or under-ordering, but helps the environment by reducing waste. If you happen to order a little too much, don’t worry, we will take it away free of charge.
Madmix – Local Concrete Suppliers in Cambridgeshire
If you or your business is located in or around Cambridge you can reduce your transport costs, and your CO2 emissions, by choosing local accredited concrete suppliers Madmix. We deliver to Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Royston, St Ives, St Neots, and Huntingdon as well as other towns and villages in the region.
If you would like to know more about the different types of concrete we offer for domestic, commercial and agricultural projects, you can fill out our online contact form, call us on 01954 212212, or email info@madmix.co.uk
Back to blog
