The construction industry has a significant impact on the environment. Unfortunately, some of the most durable building materials also have large carbon footprints. This leads some developers to prefer structures built from renewable resources such as wood, even for large projects that you might expect to be built with more durable materials. Fortunately, a growing number of companies produce sustainable and earth-friendly construction materials that promise to stand the test of time. Here are four of them.
Cemex
Cemex has developed innovative ways to produce sustainable concrete. One of their key methods involves using fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, as a partial replacement for cement in the concrete mix. This not only reduces the amount of cement required, but also diverts fly ash from landfills, where it can release harmful toxins into the environment. In addition, Cemex has developed a process called Vertua, which uses a lower amount of cement and a higher amount of recycled materials in the concrete mix, further reducing the carbon footprint of their products. Cemex’s sustainable concrete products have been used in a variety of construction projects around the world, including the construction of sustainable buildings and infrastructure.
Solidia Technologies
Solidia Technologies produces sustainable cement and concrete products. Their technology allows for the production of cement and concrete with a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods, by using a different curing process that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%. Solidia’s products also require less water and are stronger than traditional concrete, which means they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance over time. In addition to their sustainable concrete products, Solidia has also developed a technology that enables the production of carbon-negative cement, which absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional cement and concrete products. Solidia’s sustainable products have been used in a variety of construction projects, including highways, bridges, and commercial buildings.
BioMason
BioMason produces sustainable building materials using a unique process that mimics the way coral reefs form. The company’s products, which include bricks and tiles, are made by combining sand, bacteria, and nutrients in molds, and then exposing the molds to a warm and humid environment. Over the course of a few days, the bacteria secrete a cement-like substance that binds the sand particles together, creating a durable and sustainable material. BioMason’s products have a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete or brick, and they are also non-toxic and chemical-free.
CarbonCure
CarbonCure produces concrete that has a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete. The company’s technology involves injecting recycled carbon dioxide into the concrete during the mixing process. The carbon dioxide reacts with the cement to form a mineral that strengthens the concrete, while also permanently sequestering the carbon dioxide. CarbonCure’s technology has been used in a variety of construction projects, including the construction of the world’s first carbon-neutral office building in Waterloo, Ontario.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many companies that are leading the way in producing sustainable and earth-friendly construction materials. By using these materials, construction companies can reduce their carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, sustainable materials often have other benefits, such as increased durability, reduced toxicity, and unique aesthetic qualities. As more companies adopt sustainable building practices, we can expect to see a shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction industry.
