When you visit the city of Reno and its surrounding areas, you’ll notice the use of concrete as a major building component. All metropolitan areas across America use concrete as a primary ingredient of their infrastructure. But because of how concrete is manufactured, there are many environmentally conscious organizations that express concern. Significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions – especially carbon dioxide – get produced during the manufacture of concrete. Most of it comes from chemical reactions as the ingredients are heated to extreme levels, and some of it comes from burning the fuels needed to create the necessary heat.
Global warming and greenhouse gas production is a growing issue. Concrete producers are under scrutiny to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process. Despite that pressure, the demand for concrete remains high. How are concrete manufacturers addressing climate change concerns?
The Fuel Issue
Two common fuels burned when making concrete are coal and petroleum coke. Most of us are familiar with coal. It’s a mined carbon deposit that produces high levels of heat when burned. And what about petroleum coke? That’s a byproduct of oil refining. It typically looks like black sponges or marbles. When burned, petroleum coke produces high heat and less pollution than coal, but it still produces greenhouse gases. Instead of using these fuels, many concrete manufacturers are progressively switching over to natural gas, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and pollutants produced.
Catch the Greenhouse Gas!
Some manufacturing plants now use devices to capture carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted during manufacture. Another clever way to reduce emissions is by reducing how much cement “cooking” needs to be done. Some manufacturers use pulverized concrete in the mixture of new concrete, recycling older material into the process. This also helps reduce landfill use.
Additionally, concrete itself is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. Some estimates show that, over its lifetime, a concrete slab can absorb nearly 60% of the carbon dioxide created during its manufacture. Afterward, the same concrete can be recycled into the next batch of concrete, and the new batch will continue absorbing carbon dioxide.
Lengthen the Concrete Lifespan
Another way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from concrete manufacture is by reducing the need for more. Some homes and businesses pay a hefty sum to have an old, cracked concrete slab broken up further and removed. Then they replace it with a new one. Epoxy coatings from Nevada Custom Coatings helps your concrete last longer. We protect your concrete with a seamless, smooth barrier that resists corrosion, stains, liquid spills, and even ultraviolet light. When your concrete is getting worn, we can also renew it with an epoxy concrete overlay, giving your more years before replacement is necessary.
Our epoxy coatings not only provide optimal levels of safety and protection for the concrete, but also for you. Nevada Custom Coatings offers coved flooring, non-slip grip, and impact absorption for your epoxy coatings, and we don’t stop there. We can make your drab concrete floor look dazzling with color flakes, metallics, a gloss finish, a marbled twist, or whatever your imagination brings you. You can enjoy a beautiful floor that enhances your décor while knowing that you’re extending the life of the concrete, saving materials and greenhouse gases. To discover more about what epoxy coatings can do for you and your concrete, give Nevada Custom Coatings in Reno a call. We also have an online form you can fill out for a free onsite consultation.