A sustainable future in industrial concrete floors

Humans have a direct and measurable effect on the earth and ecosystem. To such an extent, in fact, that we (our actions/inactivity) are the source of change. If this change continues unabated, we can expect the consequences for future generations to be very great. Speaking is Marieke Pitlo of Twintec Group. She shares Twintec Group's philosophy towards a sustainable future in industrial concrete floors.

"Many people understand 'being green' to mean flying less, driving a hybrid car, recycling plastic bottles and cans or eating less red meat. For businesses, it can include carpool programs, rooftop solar panels and energy-efficient lighting." These are all good considerations that Pitlo says should certainly be encouraged, but what can we in the concrete floor industry do to play our part?

CO₂-impact

"Many of our clients (general contractors, developers and end users) have specific 'green' policies and express a desire to move toward zero emissions or something similar. But is this desire carried through into how new developments are specified and financed? Is floor plate design even discussed in relation to 'green' policies? It is common knowledge that embodied carbon or CO₂-emissions from concrete, steel and related materials required for the construction of concrete floor slabs all have an environmental impact because they require energy to produce and distribute."

Minimizing impact

What can be done to minimize the impact? Pitlo gives some examples: "Optimize the design and combinations and types of reinforcement. Consider revalued steel fibers. Reduce the thickness of concrete floor slabs (read: less concrete is less CO₂-emissions). Provide a detailed analysis of locally available concrete components for optimized concrete mix design and consider cement replacement products and shrinkage control materials that emit CO₂ absorb. And deploy specialized equipment to reduce pollution and work more efficiently."

Twintec Group has long recognized the importance of reducing the impact of its operations on the world in which we live. Care for the environment and a commitment to developing sustainable solutions is demonstrated through an ongoing and extensive research/development program in cooperation with leading universities around the world. Electric machines are under development and great strides are also being made in the field of sustainable steel fibers. Twintec Group stands for a sustainable future in industrial concrete floors.