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Concrete

Concrete

Concrete is one of the world's most widely used construction materials and has become increasingly popular in interior design for floors, worktops, walls, furniture and decorative finishes. Its durability, thermal mass and minimal maintenance requirements make it an attractive choice for long-life interiors. However, concrete also carries significant environmental impacts, largely due to cement production, as well as important health and safety considerations during installation. Designers should carefully assess whether concrete is the most appropriate material for a project and, where it is specified, seek lower-carbon alternatives and maximise its lifespan. 

Facts

  • Accounting for roughly eight per cent of worldwide CO2 emissions, the manufacturing of concrete relies heavily on aggregate materials, which comprise about 90% of its volume SOURCE
  • Cement production is the third ranking producer of anthropogenic (man-made) CO2 in the world after transport and energy generation.  Portland cement (the most widely used) requires quarrying which can cause airborne pollution (toxic dust), followed by further pollution from kiln firing
  • The production of concrete and the washing of aggregates are water-intensive. It takes approximately 150–300 litres of water to produce one ton of concrete  SOURCE

Key Points

When specifying concrete for interior applications, consider the following:

Consider the application and use

how long the concrete finish will be in place. Make use of concrete in long term schemes and avoid it in schemes where you know the product is likely to end up in landfill quickly. Concrete is highly durable, requires relatively little maintenance and can provide thermal mass, helping to moderate internal temperatures and reduce operational energy demand.

Challenge whether concrete is necessary

Depending on the application, alternatives such as hempcrete, timber, mycelium-based materials, recycled plastic products, Ferrock, AshCrete or Timbercrete may provide comparable performance with lower environmental impacts.

Hemp and lime

Or hempcrete—is a bio-composite building material made by wet-mixing hemp shiv (the woody core of the hemp stalk, often called hurds) with a lime-based binder (usually natural hydraulic lime or formulated lime mixes) and water. While not a load-bearing material like traditional concrete, it is a thermal insulator and moisture regulator due to its porous structure. The lime binder hardens over time, binding the hemp shiv into a lightweight, breathable composite.

Retrofitting/renovating/reusing

Reduces embodied carbon significantly rather than starting from scratch.

Concrete can be recycled

It can also be used as aggregate or as gravel for a wide range of applications. Larger pieces of concrete are often used to prevent erosion in streams or on shores.

Specify locally produced concrete

Also specify aggregates where possible to reduce transport emissions and improve supply chain transparency.

Consider lower-carbon concrete mixes

They incorporate supplementary cementitious materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash (where responsibly sourced), calcined clays or recycled aggregates.

Environmental impacts 

Concrete causes significant damage to topsoil, often through creation of hard surfaces which stop ground water absorption, creating water run off/ flooding and soil erosion.

Responsible suppliers

Suppliers of concrete should be able to provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for comparison and lifecycle information, information on recycled content and evidence of responsible quarry management.

Designers should seek products that:

  • Maximise recycled aggregate content where appropriate
  • Minimise Portland cement content through cement substitutes
  • Source aggregates responsibly and legally
  • Provide clear information on embodied carbon and water use

Concrete handling 

cutting, grinding, drilling and demolition generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which presents a serious health risk. Designers should ensure contractors follow appropriate dust control measures, including wet cutting techniques, local exhaust ventilation, suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and compliance with relevant health and safety guidance. See the BIID Stone and HSE guidance for more information on silica dust and silicosis risks.

Once cured

Concrete is generally considered an inert material with minimal impact on indoor air quality. However, any applied sealers, coatings or surface treatments should be assessed for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and selected in accordance with low-emission standards where possible.

Comfort

The thermal mass of exposed concrete can contribute to improved indoor comfort by moderating temperature fluctuations when used as part of an appropriately designed building.  See also the BIID Energy guidance for information on thermal mass and operational energy performance.

End of Use 

Concrete should not automatically be regarded as waste at the end of a project. Where removal is unavoidable:

  • Prioritise reuse of existing structural elements where feasible
  • Recycle demolished concrete as aggregate for new construction
  • Reuse larger concrete sections for landscape or erosion control applications where appropriate
  • Avoid disposal to landfill wherever possible
     

RESOURCES