Green Concrete

Walk up to a friend and ask them what the effects the production of concrete has on the environment. Most people would probably not be aware. However, now is the time to educate ourselves. The fact is that in 2009, the production of concrete contributed to five percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. As the effects of pollution and human population continue to take a toll in our world, it is vital to recognize and encourage emerging green technologies.

Nikolaos Vlasopoulos of Novacem, discovered a way to create concrete without its harmful effects. While working as a grad student in Imperial College, he experimented adding magnesium oxides to a Portland cement mix. Vlasopoulos realized that the Portland cement mix was not needed and that with the addition of water he could “still make a solid-setting cement that didn't rely on carbon-rich limestone”. This green concrete is an improvement from the cement currently used in several ways.

First, the green concrete actually absorbs carbon dioxide. Although it does produce carbon dioxide, it absorbs more than it created during setting. In comparison of Portland cement which creates 700kg per tone of carbon dioxide and absorbs 100-500kg per tone, the green concrete creates 200-400kg per tone of carbon dioxide and absorbs about 2.5 times more than Portland cement.

Another benefit of this new technology is that it is possible to be recycled if a building is torn down. It can be mixed with waste material such as glass or plastic. Portland cement cannot do this. Lastly, Novacem will use the same processes as Portland cement. This means that construction firms will not need to change the way they operate, thereby making a transition to green concrete much smoother.

Unfortunately, the green concrete is not in the market. Vlasopoulos states he should be done refining the product “within a year”. Some problems that this green cement is facing is the necessity to produce in industrial levels and match the price of other cements like Portland. However, with large industrial partners such as Laing O’Rourke, WSP Group, and Rio Tino, Novacem hopes to prevail forward. This green concrete will certainly be a step towards creating a healthier earth.

Sources:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6255962.ece

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/25085/