In the quest for sustainable construction, concrete—one of the world’s most widely used building materials—is under the microscope. A recent study led by Albrecht Sophie Viktoria from OTH Regensburg, Construction Materials, delves into the environmental performance of concrete, offering insights that could reshape how the construction and energy sectors approach material choices. Published in the ‘MATEC Web of Conferences’ (translated to English as ‘Materials Science and Technology Conference’), the research focuses on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are crucial for quantifying the environmental impact of concrete throughout its life cycle.
Concrete’s composition—cement, water, aggregates, additives, and admixtures—varies significantly depending on the site and specific production processes. This variability means that emissions and environmental impacts can differ greatly, necessitating site-specific EPDs. “The emissions and environmental impacts depend greatly on cement type, transport routes, and specific production processes,” Viktoria explains. “This variability often necessitates site-specific EPDs.”
The study analyzes data from various sources, focusing on EPDs according to ISO 14025 and EN 15804. It examines life cycle phases A1-A3 (raw material extraction to construction product at the site), B1-B7 (construction, use, maintenance, repair, replacement, operational energy use, and maintenance), C1-C4 (demolition and waste processing), and D (benefits and loads beyond the system boundary). The results highlight that factors such as scenario assumptions, methodological choices, and allocation procedures significantly influence concrete’s environmental impact.
One of the key findings is the importance of transparent EPDs, which improve the reliability of environmental assessments. “Transparent EPDs improve assessment reliability,” Viktoria notes, “while allocation methods, especially in phases D and end-of-life, significantly influence reported benefits, underscoring the importance of careful allocation for accurate impact evaluations.”
The study also identifies key parameters such as recycling potential, production stage, and allocation methods as substantial factors in the environmental performance of concrete. Improved standardization, transparency, and alignment with EN 16757 would enhance EPD comparability and reliability, ultimately supporting more sustainable choices in construction.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly relevant. As the industry increasingly focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, understanding the environmental impact of materials like concrete is crucial. The research suggests that by adopting more transparent and standardized EPDs, companies can make more informed decisions, potentially leading to significant reductions in emissions and environmental impact.
The study’s insights could shape future developments in the field, encouraging the construction and energy sectors to prioritize sustainability. As Viktoria’s research demonstrates, the path to more sustainable construction lies in understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of materials at every stage of their life cycle. With improved standardization and transparency, the industry can move towards a more sustainable future, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.