Title:
SDC Innovations in Concrete: Sustainability, Constructability, and “Cost-ability” – The New Three-legged Stool? - Panel Discussion
Author(s):
John Hausfeld, Kurt Tyler, Emma Reif and Patrick Kenny
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/25/2020
Abstract:
The word “sustainability” leads one immediately towards factors such as carbon emissions and renewable energy. But the true aim of sustainability, represented by the “three-legged stool”, is to find the balance between environmental impacts, economic costs, and the social benefits of any action taken. As we work to lessen the environmental impact associated with concrete construction, we often lose sight of the balance sustainability truly seeks. The goal of being “green” is often in direct conflict with either constructability, cost, or both. If sustainability is becoming more environmentally centric, is it necessary to start thinking of constructability and cost as being the other two legs of a new “three-legged stool”? How, as an industry, do we meet our goals of being good stewards of the environment while being mindful that a green design is of little social value if it cannot be constructed at a reasonable cost? In this session the speakers will discuss the design and construction challenges of being “green” while also trying to meet the necessary goals of constructability and “cost-ability”.