Title:
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Concrete
Author(s):
Kumar P. Mehta
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
23
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
61-66
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/1/2001
Abstract:
The ability to design and build structural members that last for 500 years or more instead of 50 will in the long run increase the concrete industry’s resource productivity by tenfold. Meanwhile, substituting recycled materials for natural materials, as described in this article, it should be possible to substantially improve the resource productivity of the concrete industry immediately. Unquestionably, the greatest challenge that the concrete industry faces during the 21st century is to achieve a sustainable pattern of growth. The task is formidable but the ideas and examples cited in this article show that it can be accomplished provided we make a paradigm shift from the culture of accelerating construction speeds to a culture of conservation of energy and material. Finally, I would like to close with a quote from the German poet Goethe: Knowing is not enough, we must practice; willingness is not enough, we must act.