Cement and concrete –its end product– are versatile, durable, cost-effective and energy-saving materials, which can therefore address multiple modern needs.
Concrete can be moulded into any shape or form, allowing great freedom in design and a variety of applications. In other words, it literally builds the foundations of Europe's future "smart cities".
From an efficiency perspective, throughout the life of a construction –from the extraction of raw materials, through the construction and use, right to the final disposal at the end of the life cycle–, the advantages of cement and concrete are obvious:
Concrete is the most cost-effective construction material.
The production both of ready mix concrete and of cement releases considerably smaller quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂), in comparison to the production processes for other construction materials.
Concrete can also absorb and capture CO₂ (carbonation) throughout its life but especially in the demolition phase.
Both can be recycled in the production of concrete or cement.
The heat capacity of concrete (thermal mass property) ensures stable temperatures within buildings, offsetting temperature changes and thus regulating the energy required for heating and cooling purposes. Given that the use of energy in buildings accounts for the largest part of their environmental footprint, the enhanced energy efficiency improves the overall footprint of a product throughout its long life cycle.
The release of carbon dioxide in the transportation of concrete is low, as concrete production units are generally located close to the ready mix sites.