Improving and quantifying concrete environmentally with Aggregate

Aggregate Industries and BASF Construction Chemicals have teamed up to create a suite of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) to provide clients with detailed information on the environmental impact of its ready-mixed concrete.

With sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact existing as core issues within the construction industry, both producers and contractors are increasingly being expected to preserve natural resources while continuing to produce quality products.

Cementing its position as a leading provider of sustainable solutions, Aggregate Industries has launched three EPD for specialist ready-mixed concrete products: Agilia, Watertight and Diamondcrete.

The EPD are based on life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations using BASF’s life cycle analysis tool that allows both Aggregate Industries & BASF to quantify the environmental impact of conventional and specialist concrete mix designs and compare the eco-efficiency of different concrete mixes.

Called the Life Cycle Analyzer, the tool was developed by BASF Construction Chemicals to allow concrete producers and specifiers to demonstrate compliance in line with the European Standard BS EN 15804:2012.

This standard is entitled ‘Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations – Core rules for the product category of construction products.’

Using this unique tool enables Aggregate Industries to calculate indicators such as renewable energy consumption, global warming potential (CO2), acidification potential and the cost impact of different concrete mix designs.

A overwhelming bonus of the Life Cycle Analyzer is that it can be used to assess the environmental parameters for different concretes in order to optimize processes and mix designs, without compromising on concrete quality.

The development of the tool is significant because concrete is the most commonly used man-made construction material.

Donna Hunt, Head of Sustainability at Aggregate Industries said, “With our products found in houses, buildings, roads, railways, ports, power stations and much more we are committed to making a positive contribution to the built environment now and for future generations.

“We exhibit leadership in our sector by developing and launching innovative products and services, providing our clients with sustainable solutions to a wide range of issues such as resource consumption and reuse, transportation, water management, climate change and carbon management.

“Aggregate Industries was the first construction materials company in the world to achieve BRE BES 6001, and by also providing third party verified EPD that are specific to our products we are enabling our clients to make sustainable design and purchasing decisions.“

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