Every year on April 22nd, people and organizations around the world recognize Earth Day by engaging in conversations about sustainability and pledging to reduce their environmental impact. On Earth Day, County Materials is reaffirming our commitment to manufacture sustainable concrete construction and landscape products for long-lasting applications.
Sustainability is an increasingly important design consideration for infrastructure, commercial construction, and even homes. Industry professionals are specifying durable, energy efficient building materials to achieve extended service life and low life cycle cost. For construction materials to be sustainable, they must meet the needs of today without compromising resources for future generations. Concrete proves sustainable in each phase of its life cycle, from material sourcing to post-service life repurposing.
Material Sourcing & Concrete Production
Concrete is manufactured using cement, water, and responsibly excavated aggregates. Technological advancements in cement manufacturing have made its production processes cleaner for the environment. According to the Portland Cement Association, cement manufacturers have reduced their energy consumption by 40 percent per metric ton over the last 40 years and strive to be carbon-neutral by 2050. To further offset emissions, fly ash and recycled concrete powder can partially replace cement in concrete production.
Lasting Performance
Manufactured to last, concrete is a trusted material choice for infrastructure, buildings, schools, hospitals, and private residences. Concrete has fire ratings up to three hours and provides protection from natural and manmade elements. It requires minimal maintenance and can achieve a service life of 100 years or longer, depending on its function, installation, and environment.
Energy Efficiency
Concrete has a high thermal mass and can absorb, store, and release heat. Its thermal properties offer temperature control and reduce peak energy consumption, contributing to significant energy cost savings over a project’s life cycle.
Post-Service Life Repurposing
At the end of its service life, concrete can be recycled and repurposed. Recycled concrete is commonly used for road base, driveways, landscaping, and the production of new concrete products.
Together, we’re building a company that hardworking people are proud to work for, live near, and do business with since 1946.