When it comes to our Florida,

concrete is the natural choice.

 
 
 
 
 

DRIVE ON…
CONCRETE FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT

Concrete is Better for the Environment

It is commonly believed that the environmental impact of a paved surface can be based solely on the construction processes and the energy it takes to extract and/or produce the raw materials. However, studies have found that there are many ways the pavement may continue to impact the environment throughout its operational life:

  • Albedo – The surface reflectivity of a pavement
    • Concrete surfaces have a much higher albedo than competitive paving materials.
  • Lighting – The energy required to light areas around the pavement
    • Concrete surfaces are three times more reflective than asphalt, which can lower ongoing lighting costs up to 30%.
  • Pavement Vehicle Interaction (PVI) – The structural and surface qualities of pavement that cause excess fuel consumption (EFC) in vehicles
    • MIT recommends two primary strategies for reducing EFC: build stiffer pavements and maintain smoother pavements.
    • No other paving material approaches concrete’s strength and durability in standing up to heavy usages and high traffic.

Air Quality:

  • On local and state highways with asphalt pavements, an MIT study found that use phase emissions represented a greater proportion of total emissions than on those with concrete pavements.
  • Cement within concrete reacts with the CO2 in the air, reabsorbing part of the CO2 emitted during production.
  • Pervious concrete contributes to enhanced air quality by lowering atmospheric heating.
  • Concrete does not release odorous petroleum products into the air.

Water Quality:

  • Asphalt contains carcinogenic petroleum hydrocarbons that leach into water runoff in higher concentrations as usage and wear increase.
  • The cooler surface of concrete results in cooler stormwater runoff, protecting streams and lakes.
  • The open-cell structure of pervious concrete provides a medium for aerobic bacteria that break down many of the pollutants that seep from parked cars.
  • Pervious concrete allows water to return to the ground, which replenishes water tables and aquifers.
  • Concrete conserves oil, which is used to produce asphalt pavements.
  • Concrete is Recyclable – Concrete can be crushed and recycled as a high-quality aggregate for hundreds of applications. This may help you achieve LEED certification for your project.

Concrete is Better for Your Bottom Line

  • The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that the average life expectancy of concrete pavements is 27.5 years before repair. Asphalt pavements have an average life expectancy of 15.5 years or less before repair.
  • Federally funded studies show that concrete interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt interstate pavements.
  • University of Minnesota studies found that using concrete pavement saved two counties up to 19% in long-term costs vs. using and maintaining similar asphalt roads. Maintenance costs in the same studies were reduced by 75%.
  • Advancements in asphalt technology (“SuperPave” mixtures) have increased paving costs significantly without improving performance, while advancements in concrete technology have reduced the cost of concrete paving and improved performance greatly.
    • Slipform paving machines offer the highest production rates of any construction method and yield uniform, durable surfaces.
    • Advanced finishing methods like laser screeding combine precision and speed to lower installation costs and produce the highest quality results.
  • Concrete is three times more reflective than asphalt, which can lower infrastructure and ongoing lighting costs up to 30%.
  • The lighter, brighter look of concrete increases curb appeal for potential customers and tenants, boosting rental values & revenue.
  • Concrete is virtually maintenance-free.

Concrete is Better at Combating Crime

  • Concrete surfaces have a much higher albedo (a measure of reflectance) than competitive paving materials.
  • Concrete’s greater reflectivity means brighter, safer surroundings for pedestrians and drivers at a lower lighting cost.
  • A study conducted in New York found that areas with better lighting experienced significantly lower crime rates. It also concluded that increased levels of lighting led to a 36% decrease in more serious crimes like aggravated assault, robbery and murder.

Concrete is Innovative

Concrete is versatile and can be placed with an array of textures, shapes, patterns and colors.

  • Self-cleaning Concrete
    • This relatively new innovation is primarily used on buildings to combat the unsightly appearance of smog on the exterior.
    • When light and heat strike the concrete’s surface, catalysts (usually titanium oxides) use the energy to break down dirt into molecules like oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, nitrates, and sulphates. Gases float away, while liquids or solids are left on the surface to be washed away by rain. Through a similar process, concrete can also break down pollutants in the air around it.
  • Pervious Concrete:
    • This specialized innovation allows rainwater to pass through the concrete, supporting ground water recharge and tree growth.
    • May cut back and even eliminate the need for traditional stormwater management systems
  • Fly Ash Concrete:
    • Can be made from the fly ash from coal-burning power plants and blast furnace slag from steel manufacturing
    • May reduce landfill needs

For more detailed information, check out the Resources page.

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