Sustainable concrete design and construction
Concrete is extremely versatile, providing designers and builders with the ability to produce aesthetic and functional buildings and structures.
The use of concrete can offer significant sustainability benefits in the life cycle of buildings and structures. Its thermal mass is highly efficient in reducing the energy needed to heat and cool buildings, and it also allows a high level of air tightness.
Concrete is highly durable and so needs minimal maintenance and can thus reduce whole life costs. Furthermore, the long life of the material means that concrete structures are appropriate for change of use.
Concrete's mass and damping qualites allow good acoustic performance and minimise movement, reducing floor vibration. Ths is particularly advantageous for high density accommodation.
Concrete is non-combustible and has a slow rate of heat transfer which makes it a highly effective barrier to the spread of fire. The nature of the material also ensures that it is resilient to flood damage.
Acoustics
Further information
A number of schemes or codes have been created to aid a project team to consider sustainability, or environment, throughout the process of design, specification, construction and use. These include the Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM and CEEQUAL.