Environmental Class of Concrete

The environmental class of concrete is a classification system that indicates how environmentally friendly a particular type of concrete is. It takes into account various factors, including the raw materials used, production method, CO2 emissions, and the concrete’s lifespan. Additionally, the environmental class indicates how well concrete resists environmental influences such as moisture, de-icing salts, seawater, and aggressive chemicals.

The Importance of Environmental Class

The environmental class provides insight into the concrete’s durability and ecological impact on the environment. This class serves two important functions, which are explained below.

Sustainability

When you choose concrete with a high environmental class, you directly contribute to reducing the ecological impact of construction activities. This is achieved through lower CO2 emissions during production and the use of sustainable raw materials.

This choice not only counters climate change but also ensures the preservation of valuable natural resources for future generations.

Protection against External Influences

Concrete with a higher environmental class is more resistant to various external influences, such as moisture, de-icing salts, seawater, and chemical substances. Choosing an appropriate environmental class extends the lifespan of structures and reduces maintenance costs.

This not only results in long-term cost savings but also increases the safety and reliability of the concrete structure.

Sustainability Goals and Certifications

Using more environmentally friendly concrete with a higher environmental class helps achieve sustainability goals and certifications. Examples include:

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): an internationally recognized certification for sustainable buildings. Choosing concrete with a high environmental class increases the possibility of obtaining certification.
• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM): a similar certification, focused on sustainable buildings in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Besides these well-known certifications, there are numerous other sustainability standards and certifications for which the use of environmentally friendly concrete is relevant.

Please note: the environmental class is not the only factor that matters. It’s also important to consider the quality of the concrete and whether it’s suitable for the application.

Unfortunately, the construction sector contributes significantly to CO2 emissions and pollution. Concrete, an essential component of many structures, plays a role in this. Fortunately, there are increasingly more ways to make concrete more sustainable and improve its environmental class.

1. Use of Alternative Binders

As an alternative to ‘regular’ cement, sustainable materials can be used. Examples include recycled cement or geopolymer, a special type of binder. These alternatives cause less CO2 emissions during concrete production.

2. Improvements in Production Processes

The production process can be optimized through the use of more efficient machines and raw materials. These improvements reduce the ecological impact of the concrete production process.

3. Smart Use of Raw Materials and Concrete Waste

Minimizing waste during concrete production and concrete repair contributes to sustainability. Also, reuse and recycling of surplus concrete leads to less waste production and reduced need for new raw materials.