Construction Materials

Vulcan recognizes the inherent value in aggressively supporting sustainable construction initiatives. Through our high performance, low CO2 concrete mixes and collaboration with project teams, we continue to contribute to the building of projects that are environmentally responsible, cost-effective, resilient and healthy places to live and work.

Concrete is the future of sustainable construction

Increasingly, concrete is being recognized for its life cycle environmental and economical benefits, from extraction and production, to construction, maintenance and disposal. There are solid facts that make concrete the right choice for effective sustainable development.

CO2 emission – The use of recycled materials in concrete reduces greenhouse gasses, frees up landfill space, and reduces raw material consumption. Concrete can also be used to permanently sequester CO2.

Recyclable – After a concrete structure has served its original purpose, the concrete can be crushed and recycled into aggregate for use in new concrete or as a backfill or road base.

Environmental and cost benefits – The use of concrete pavement and roofing in our urban areas and roadways means that more light is reflected and less heat is absorbed. This may result in significant energy savings and healthier and safer communities. Although it can have a higher upfront cost, it is usually more durable and longer lasting with less maintenance costs.

Reduces storm water waste – Pervious concrete is a strong type of pavement with a porous structure that allows rainwater to pass directly through the pavement and into the soil naturally.

Energy efficient – Buildings constructed of concrete have a unique energy-saving advantage because of their inherent thermal mass. In addition, insulated concrete wall systems are a technology that can be more energy-efficient than traditional or wood construction.

Durability – Concrete offers significant strength over other building materials. It can sustain natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, earthquakes and tsunamis. Concrete conserves resources by reducing the need for reconstruction.

Low CO2 Concrete

Stronger, Cleaner, Greener Concrete

Vulcan has decades of experience in optimizing mix designs with the inclusion of alternative cementitious materials to produce the lowest carbon concrete mixes on the market. Collaboration with project teams from specification to placement has resulted in successful implementation of these mixes.

Vulcan has a variety of low carbon concrete solutions to contribute to LEED goals and lower the carbon footprint for your next project.

Through our National Research Lab, Regional Technical Teams, and Sustainability Teams, we are continually evaluating new ways to reduce CO2 emissions and provide solutions for the most ambitious sustainability goals.