Sustainable Solutions: Oahu Concrete Professionals’ Commitment to Eco-Friendly Practices

Are you looking to jump-start an eco-friendly project for your property at Oahu, Hawaii, but are hesitant of the impact the construction itself might have on the environment? 

In this modern day and age, science has evolved through the different stages of construction and has opened the doors to a building process that is more sensitive to the reaction to the environment around it. Although sustainability is not a new word to the world of construction, it is a principle that is not quite practiced everywhere yet. However, at Oahu Concrete Professionals, we are dedicated to integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our work. Here’s how we make a difference

Reducing Cement Content

Reducing the content of cement in your build and mixture significantly reduces the CO2 emissions of the concrete, making this process a sustainable way of minimizing the environmental impact of your build. Integrating Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) or adjusting the ratio of the components in the build mixture to achieve the preferred properties with less cement.

Examples of SCMs:

• Fly Ash
• Slag Cement
• Silica Fume

Using Recycled Materials

Recycling materials in construction such as water and concrete aggregates, the former which comes from demolished structures, is an essential way of applying sustainable building methods into the construction. These components minimize the need for new raw materials and demand for fresh water to be applied in the building process, reducing the wastes that will just end up in landfills. 

• Recycled Aggregates - Using these recycled components helps lessen the need for raw natural resources, minimizing wastes and lowering the overall environmental impact of your build.
• Recycled Water - This method means reusing treated wastewater or other forms of reclaimed water in different construction activities, which can conserve water resources by minimizing the need for fresh supplies.

Sustainable Sourcing

When it comes to getting a hold of your materials from direct suppliers or from factories that produce your resources, traveling back and forth itself holds weight in the impact of your construction on the environment. When the build obtains their materials in ways that can reduce this such as choosing to get local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions or to opt for sustainable materials in the project, you can be assured that the construction is practicing an environmentally friendly approach.

Design for Durability and Longevity

When building structures that are designed with durability and longevity in mind, these buildings would have less need of repairs, replacements and constant maintenance, reducing the environmental impact of frequent work done to ensure it lasts a long time. Using long lasting materials such as High Performance Concrete to ensure a solid build, and implementing protective measures such as a high-quality sealant and coating over the concrete for material protection will ensure that your project not only has an excellent build but also a sustainable one.

Innovative Concrete Options

Traditional concrete as they are may not be a favorable material to incorporate into your sustainable construction, but because science has advanced and enabled new building technologies such as self-healing concrete, Geo-polymer concrete and flexible concrete, choosing to go green even with your materials is now possible for your project.

• Self-Healing Concrete - This concrete type has the unique attribute of self-repair due to the mix of agents such as self-healing bacteria and microcapsules that promote the material’s longevity and lasting performance with minimal need for constant repair.
• Geo-Polymer Concrete - This type of green concrete is made up of industrial by-products that help reduce carbon emissions, this makes them a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete due to their low environmental impact and good quality performance.

Permeable Concrete

When it comes to sustainable building materials, permeable concrete or also known as pervious concrete sits high on the list. With its high porosity and prime function in stormwater management, this particular material is considered one of the important elements in any sustainable build.

• Permeable Pavements - although permeable concrete isn’t as high in its load-bearing capacity compared to its traditional counterparts, it is still a much preferred material to use in low-traffic areas such as driveways, side-walks and more.

Construction Practices

Sustainable construction isn’t just centered around the materials used but also in the process of the build itself. Certain factors such as waste management, efficient and organized planning, and the incorporation of more natural energy, all contribute in what makes a construction sustainable and at the same time, high performing in quality design.

• Efficient Formwork - These formwork systems, especially when made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, timber or recycled plastic are good choices to minimize waste and promote the construction’s efficiency.
• Minimize Waste - whether it is to minimize material waste, time or to enhance energy used in the build, a sustainable construction should conserve and properly manage all these. A well organized project management and accurate material estimate is essential in delivering a smooth flowing and high quality project with reduced material waste.
• End-of-Life Planning - Structures should not only have the build in mind during its design and build process but also of what comes after when it has finished its use. It is the process of easy disassembly and of being able to recycle and reuse its materials for the next build.

Oahu Concrete Professionals are dedicated to integrating eco-friendly practices into their construction processes in Oahu, Hawaii. They reduce CO2 emissions by minimizing cement content and incorporating Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) like fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume. The company utilizes recycled materials, such as concrete aggregates from demolished structures and reclaimed water, to reduce the need for new raw materials and fresh water.

Sourcing materials locally to cut down on transportation emissions, they design for durability and longevity to lessen the environmental impact of repairs. Innovative concrete options like self-healing and geo-polymer concrete, along with permeable concrete for stormwater management, are employed to enhance sustainability. Efficient construction practices include using sustainable formwork materials, minimizing waste through organized planning, and considering the end-of-life recyclability of structures. Trained and experienced professional techniques can deliver durable and high-quality results because of specialized expertise. For more information on our sustainable construction practices or to discuss your eco-friendly project, please contact us.