Concrete Making its Sustainable Case

For years now, sustainable construction has continued to gain prominence throughout the industry – so much so, in fact, that some states are beginning to require it.

As a result, architects, engineers and contractors have turned to construction material providers with a focus on what products best serve not only their design and structural needs, but also their sustainability needs.

Given that concrete is the most-produced synthetic material in the world, it makes sense to focus on the green attributes it can offer. To achieve this, the Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSH) was created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The hub believes concrete is “part of the solution of contributing to a sustainable development that encompasses economic growth, social progress while minimizing the ecological footprint.”

The CSH is focused on emerging breakthroughs that will make concrete an even more sustainable material, in order to fuel innovation. It will then ensure that these advancements are implemented throughout the various component of the concrete industry, so that they are used in the many applications and solutions concrete offers.

A team of faculty from three schools within MIT makes up the CSH, including the schools of engineering, architecture and planning, and management. It is also developing relationships across the spectrum from government and academia to the end-user – the industries that produce and rely on concrete.

To learn more about the CSH, which was formed in collaboration with the Portland Cement Association (PCA), visit the CSH website.