Published on September 4, 2013
The chemical industry has contributed a lot to establishing a sustainable economy. The industry aims to make even construction greener and environmentally neutral. “Green Construction” is a move to make construction more efficient and intends to eliminate risks to the environment. The construction sector, with help from the chemical industry, is seeking for alternative raw materials and to sustain the preserve the environment from further damage.
On a global scale the most widely used material is cement, which produces around 5% of the total CO2 emitted. Cement being extremely energy intensive has forced the construction sector look for fuels and raw materials that are sustainable and can reduce CO2 emissions. The commonly used fuels in cement kilns include plastic waste and used tires. Preparing cement also uses up a lot of energy. Adding chemicals like amines, polyalkylene glycols or polycarbonate ethers (PCE) will prove beneficial in making the cement production process consume lesser energy.
Asphalt is another major material used in the construction in the construction sector. Majority of this material is used for road pavement, made via hot-mix process by mixing molten bitumen and aggregate at 150-190° C. This process consumes a huge amount of energy which can be reduced by resorting to the warm mix process; the temperature in this process is reduced thereby reducing excessive energy consumption. Asphalt pavement is also made via cold mix by preparing the material at ambient temperature. Polymers like SBR, PiB, PE wax etc. are used to increase the longevity of asphalt irrespective of the temperature. When these polymers are used in connection with the cold mix process it leads to a more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective method of road repair.
Construction machinery also consumes large amounts of energy as it uses hydraulics. Adding certain modifiers to the machinery will lead to a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and will also increase output. Thus the chemical industry’s contribution to achieving greener construction will make a considerable difference and prevent environmental deterioration to a certain extent.
Thus with the support of the chemical industry the construction sector will likely make greener construction practices viable and widespread. Innovation and a strong R&D base is the key to achieving a sustainable environment and economy.
