Concrete is used widely in the construction industry, but production damages the environment. A new standard will reward those who adopt more ethical practices.
Construction companies seeking to reduce their environmental footprint may soon be able to purchase cement and concrete products that have been certified as sustainable.
This will become possible when manufacturers or service suppliers sign up to the new voluntary standard that was released by
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), in consultation with stakeholders and technical experts.
The independent, not-for-profit group hopes to support those in the building industry who strive to lessen the environmental, social and health impacts that go hand in hand with cement and concrete production and composition.
Did you know that concrete is one of the world’s
most popular materials, thanks to its strength and reliability? Concrete is used widely by builders, but there’s no denying that it can seriously damage the environment, especially during the sourcing and manufacturing stages, when large amounts of raw materials, water and energy are used. A significant amount of carbon dioxide is also released into the atmosphere.
The Cement, Concrete and Concrete Products Standard could pave a better way (pun intended), by providing initiatives that reduce environmental damage, while rewarding manufacturers and assuring procurers of the quality of their investment.
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia recognises the GECA standard, which is also being considered for inclusion under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star ratings tool.
This is good news for construction companies seeking to do their bit for the environment by purchasing more sustainable products. The GECA standard will allow buyers to feel confident that the product they’re buying meets strict criteria.
Contact GECA if you’d like to see a
copy of the standard.
