Concrete as a Sustainable Building Material
Sustainability is a major factor in every industry because the entire world is making efforts to move towards a green and eco-friendly economy.
Therefore, it is important for every sector to evaluate the sustainability of its working procedures and their impact on the environment.
Since the construction industry is arguably the most important sector of any country, evaluating the sustainability of the construction material is critical.
Concrete is perhaps the most common construction material in Malaysia and all over the world. There are many concrete suppliers in Malaysia that provide eco-friendly concrete manufactured in accordance with the best sustainable practices.
This article discusses the sustainability of concrete as a building material and what steps can be taken to enhance it.
Sustainability of Concrete
Undoubtedly, concrete is one of the most sustainable building materials available for the following reasons:
1. Less Waste
There is very little waste involved in concrete manufacturing and supplying. Other building materials are usually produced in a massive quantity and later divided into the required amount.
On the other hand, contractors can ask concrete suppliers in Malaysia to provide them with only a specific amount of concrete for construction. Hence, excessive waste is eliminated.
2. Retain Water
Pervious concrete is capable of retaining water because it has a high porosity. You can use this type of concrete to construct the driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other establishments that can retain stormwater and rejuvenate the local water supplies.
On the contrary, paved surfaces can cause severe damage by preventing natural water infiltration and causing flooding, erosion, and pollution. Hence, pervious concrete is sustainable because it maintains water quality.
3. Less Heat Absorption
Concrete suppliers in Malaysia supply concrete that varies in composition, colour, and application techniques. If you construct a light-coloured concrete pavement and roof, it will absorb much less heat than dark-coloured concrete.
Furthermore, it will reflect solar radiation, which means the concrete will not play a role in the urban heat island effect.
4. Efficient
The fact that concrete has remained a highly popular construction material is due to its availability and energy efficiency.
The structures that are built with concrete are highly energy efficient. You can enjoy its internal thermal mass property that allows homeowners and organisations to reduce their heating and cooling power bills.
Concrete is also flood resilient, which makes it suitable in areas where chances of flooding are high. It is a very efficient, durable, and resilient construction material that ensures structural integrity, even in the most challenging times.
5. Durability
Material like wood is always susceptible to mould and general degradation over time. Concrete, on the other hand, is a very durable and reliable construction material.
Generally, the lifespan of the concrete is double or even triple than most of the other construction materials. You can ask a concrete supplier in Malaysia to choose the most suitable concrete for your construction project.
6. Renewable
Renewability is the primary factor of eco-friendly products and sustainable development. The main component of concrete is limestone. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. There is a massive amount of limestone available on Earth.
Moreover, it is present in abundance in the ocean as well. Other products involved in concrete manufacturing are cement, silica, and ash. These products are easily obtainable from steel mills and power plants.
The Bottom Line
Modern technology and strategies allow the manufacturers and concrete suppliers in Malaysia to make it more sustainable by adopting best practices, such as limiting the production of environmental pollutants during concrete manufacturing.
Moreover, it is the responsibility of suppliers, constructors, and developers to keep in mind the importance of sustainability throughout the construction process.
It is always a good idea to buy local concrete. For instance, companies involved in building construction should buy concrete from a local concrete supplier in Malaysia.
It will cut transportation costs and prevent pollution. Using similar strategies will allow you to maximize the role of concrete as a sustainable building material and play a critical role in sustainable and eco-friendly development.