Concrete is a versatile material used in everything from homes and schools to bridges and other essential infrastructure. Its strength and durability make it suitable for structures designed to perform over a long period of time. Structures built with concrete over 2,000 years ago are still functional today.
Concrete offers many valuable properties. It can be shaped to meet different structural and architectural needs and provides resistance to fire, moisture and mold. Concrete’s thermal mass can help balance indoor temperature variations and may contribute to lower heating and cooling demand, depending on the building’s design and operation. Ready-mixed concrete is generally produced at plants serving regional construction markets, although sourcing and transport distances vary between products and locations.
Like all construction materials, concrete has environmental impacts. These can be reduced through efficient structural design, optimized concrete mixes, reduced clinker or cement content and alternative materials where technically appropriate.
A life-cycle perspective helps identify the right balance between structural performance, material use, service life, maintenance and environmental considerations. Every project provides an opportunity to improve how concrete is designed, produced and used.
Concrete is more than a high-quality construction material. It is a versatile building material that combines functionality with creative solutions.
Concrete has been a widely used building material for thousands of years. Its lasting popularity reflects its functional performance, natural beauty and its ability to be formed and used creatively. These qualities make concrete suitable for many different types of applications.
Over its entire lifetime, concrete is an efficient absorber of CO2.
Concrete is highly durable, fulfilling its intended function for long periods of time.
Because concrete can be manufactured close to where it’s needed, transport distances and their climate impact can be minimized.
Concrete’s high density helps insulate buildings, lowering energy consumption and costs and reducing our climate footprint.
Concrete can withstand moisture, fire and the effects of extreme weather.
Concrete has effective noise insulation properties, contributing to calm, quiet interior environments.
