Sustainability and Energy Saving Though Proper Construction Practices and Materials Selection

Energy consumed during the construction of buildings and structures, including the embodied energy of the concrete and other construction materials, represent a considerable percentage that may reach 40% of the total energy consumed during the whole service life of the structure. Reducing energy consumed in the construction practices along with reducing the embodied energy of concrete and building materials, therefore, are of major importance. Reducing concrete's embodied energy represents one of the major green features of buildings and an important tool to improve sustainability, save resources for coming generations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, different methods to reduce concrete's embodied energy are discussed and their effect on demand side energy are assessed. Using local materials, pozzolanic blended cements, fillers, along with specifying 56 days strength in design are discussed and assessed. Proper mix design, quality control and proper architectural design also affect and reduce embodied energy. Improving durability, regular maintenance and scheduled repair are essential to increase the expected service life of buildings and hence reduce overall resources consumption and reduce energy. These effects are discussed and quantified. Construction practices also consume considerable amount of energy. The effect of transporting, conveying, pouring, finishing and curing concrete on energy consumption are also discussed.