As we strive for economic growth, there is no doubt that an increase in the demand for cement and other building materials is always at the core of that development. While there are obvious benefits, this also comes with its fair share of challenges.
Over the years, there have been unprecedented pressures and damage to our natural environments. Activities such as mining, manufacturing, processing, transportation and consumption not only deplete the stock of natural resources but also add stress to the environmental systems.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of environmental damage tends to be irreversible and has huge social and economic cost implications.
Importantly, there have been calls for sustainable construction methods, with industry groups around the world adopting di erent sustainable initiatives. These approaches range from pushing for reform to international building codes, to finding alternative solutions to traditional building methods and materials.
Green manufacturing calls for the preservation of natural resources and the reduction and where possible, the elimination of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere, especially CO2.
The cement industry for one has focused on the production process to reduce the use of natural resources. The increased production of composite cements, also known as blended or extended cements in other parts of the world, is evidence of the growing willingness by the industry to make responsible decisions. Technological advancements have allowed cement manufacturers the luxury of using alternative materials that possess cementitious properties and have a low carbon footprint in the cement making process.
In South Africa, composite cements have to conform to the SANS 501971-specification for common cements and can only be sold after obtaining a regulatory letter of authority which indicates compliance.
At this point, the cement industry’s best answer to its impact on the environment and the growing calls for sustainable construction is the production of composite cements, such as hybrid cement.
• Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global emissions with 1 kg of Portland cement/clinker approximately equivalent to 1 kg of Carbon dioxide emitted.
• ARC believes jobs can be created close to areas of high waste dumping sites which have generally been an area of high density, low skill and low financial stability. Mine slimes can be used as the base for material for brick/block and roof tile manufacture.
This material can also be used to construct roads in these areas where transport is a hurdle currently after every rainstorm to facilitate transport to school, work or clinics. The reduction of costs in the materials would hopefully have the e ffect that more infrastructure be built in a shorter time period to benefit the low-income households.
• We want to use ARC technology to influence the world to reduce the impact of Portland cement manufacture from the current 8% of global emissions to 6% or lower
