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Foundation for a Sustainable Future: Concrete Innovates
Developments in material and techniques keep concrete a leader in green building movement.

The design world today is faced with myriad choices when it comes to sustainable design and construction. “Green” materials and techniques are no longer a novelty—they are practically ubiquitous, present in every stage of design, construction, operation and maintenance. Big business is embracing green building, governmental bodies are rewarding sustainable efforts, and individuals across the globe are making everyday decisions about materials and methods that will impact generations to come.

Photo by Erin O'Boyle Photographics

Buildings and homes constructed with high-performance concrete wall systems offer excellent energy efficiency, guarding against daily temperature fluctuations and providing occupants with greater comfort and lower heating and cooling bills. The reflectivity of light-colored concrete in paving and sidewalks helps reduce the urban heat island effect, reducing the potential for smog and cutting costs for air conditioning.

Because concrete is designed for each specific project, there is very little waste, and the material enjoys unlimited flexibility in applications ranging from high-rises to parking lots, bridges to stadiums. And when a concrete structure has served its purpose, the material can be crushed and recycled for other functions.

Concrete may be our oldest building material, but modern innovations in technology and technique keep it at the forefront of sustainable design and construction. Today, the cement industry is taking great steps to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing process, bringing sustainability to the source of concrete materials. The environmental future of concrete is solid.

Concrete Environmental Attributes
	Concrete Applications for a Sustainable World: Building Today to Conserve the Future
	Durable Concrete: Concrete Achieves the First LEED Durable Building Credit for a High-Rise Condo
	Huff and Puff: You Can't Blow these Green Homes Down
	Pervious Concrete: The Smart Stormwater Solution
	Building Green with Grey Concrete: Innovation and Classic Approaches Drive Sustainable Design
	Life Cycle Assessment: How Does Concrete Fit in the Big Picture?
	Concrete Creates New Opportunities: Bethel Center Helps Build a Sustainable Neighborhood
	Know Your Wall Systems: Six Popular Systems Using High-Performance Concrete
	Sustainability at the Source: Cement Plants Take Steps to Go Green
	Optimal Mix: New Concretes are Designed to Deliver
	Commercial Buildings Take on a New Form with ICFs
	Green is Gorgeous: Decorative Concrete Offers Benefits
	Building Green with Concrete: Points for Concrete in LEED Read it Buy it
	Green Buildings Case Studies
	Recycled-Aggregate Concrete "Reincarnating Concrete" (Article from Concrete International) Recycled aggregates promote sustainability
	Exploring the Environmental Attributes of Concrete, 2006 This reprint from Environmental Design and Construction magazine contains articles that highlight concrete as a sustainable solution. Topics include: concrete application for sustainable world, durable concrete, green homes, and pervious concrete for storm water solution.
	Exploring the Environmental Attributes of Concrete, 2004 In partnership with Environmental Design & Construction this in-depth report features essential articles and case studies exploring the environmental attributes of concrete and examining concrete’s role in green building design and LEED certification.
	Concrete Builds the Sustainable Movement, 2003 In partnership with Building Design & Construction this supplement profiles green building applications in various market sectors including educational, public, civic, government, residential, commercial and renovation projects.

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