Concrete's environmental impact quantified: Cement and aggregates identified as major contributors to global warming and pollution.
The study developed a method to measure the environmental impact of making concrete in South Korea focusing on six categories like global warming and acidification. They used a method called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to analyze how concrete production affects the environment. A new system called the Concrete Lifecycle Assessment System (CLAS) was created to assess this impact considering factors like concrete mix and energy use. Findings showed that different substances released during concrete production contribute to environmental issues like CO2 emissions and acid rain. Ordinary Portland cement is a big contributor to global warming and air pollution, while aggregates play a role in other environmental impacts. Using more recycled materials in concrete mix designs can help lessen the overall environmental impact.