Unique Ways Precast Can Be Designed With the Environment In Mind

Modern architectural designs and improved building materials all emphasize sustainability. The words "green building," "energy efficiency," and "environmental friendliness" are sometimes used interchangeably. The use of these current LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) trends is strongly recommended for creating sustainable new buildings. 

However, sustainability does not advocate using the greatest building methods just for the present. Buildings require a long-term vision for their economic, environmental, and social obligations in order to be truly sustainable. By employing environmentally friendly building materials like precast concrete, developers may accomplish this long-term vision of sustainability. 

Designed In Partnership with Renewable or Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials are often thought of as those materials whose collection, refining, manufacture, and long-term usage have minimum negative effects on the environment in the context of green building, construction, and design. The majority of sustainable materials are from or are entirely made of natural, renewable resources like stone, bamboo, adobe, and the like, but it can also contain recycled materials like plastic.

The benefit of precast is that recycled and natural materials can be integrated into precast components to help with a more sustainable design.  For example, architectural precast panels can be manufactured to have spaces for bamboo paneling accents or even predesigned spaces for greenery that can be added later once the precast components are put in place.  

Precast is a great choice for wall gardens and other forms of vegetation because it can withstand extended amounts of time in or underwater without having its structural integrity compromised.

Finishes can also help precast products be more sustainable in the long term.  Take the LSU Basketball Practice Facility in Baton Rouge, LA. The new facility was north-facing and was expected to face mildew problems.  To combat this, the precast components were sealed with a self-cleaning photocatalytic titanium dioxide admixture, which would help keep the walls clean.  This meant less time and money spent on cleaning but also meant fewer chemicals needed for cleaning, which could run off and seep into the surrounding ground areas.

Designed to Support Sustainability 

Precast can also become a major part of sustainable design by supporting sustainable practices with its construction.  For example, precast components can be used to create rainwater-catching areas for structures to provide not only energy savings but also water savings.  

Another method of designing precast to support sustainability is the use of precast and concrete components in manmade coral reefs.  These reefs are put in place to support local animal populations and replace reefs lost to either natural or manmade disasters.  Because concrete won’t leech chemicals and is similar in structure to natural reefs, ocean wildlife tends to immediately adopt their new precast homes and flourish.

Reduce Urban Island Heat Effect

The heat island effect can be lessened by precast, which can help cities that endure warmer temperatures Additionally, there is a rise in air pollution and the energy needed for cooling systems in these urban areas that suffer from the urban island heat effect. Reflective qualities of concrete can help with this problem. Concrete's light tint reflects more sunlight, which lowers the air's temperature.  It also has thermal mass properties, which help it absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night, meaning more energy efficiency throughout the day.

The BioInnovation Center in New Orleans, LA is an example of a precast project designed with sustainability in mind.  There are several features that were included in this architectural precast clade building including: Outdoor water feature to capture rainwater to water gardens; More windows designed to reduce solar gain; A building facade that provides more light so less energy is used throughout the day; Facade that also helps with regulating building temperature

Created With Natural and Recycled Materials

Concrete from demolished buildings and other recyclable resources can be used to make precast. This versatile construction material can support both natural and recycled materials within its ingredients during manufacturing.

Natural Materials

Environmental sustainability and precast concrete go hand in hand. The basic minerals used to make concrete are what directly contribute to the sustainability of concrete products. It doesn't employ rare materials that are expensive to buy, tough to work with, or hard to get your hands on.

Several naturally occurring components make up concrete. Limestone, silica, and trace quantities of many compounds are combined to concrete.

Naturally occurring gravel, sand, or rock that has been crushed to a specific size makes up concrete aggregates. Aggregates are excellent for recycling materials like used concrete or glass taken from construction sites or surplus waste from industries. Aggregates are produced from a variety of natural mineral compounds that are mined. 

Recycled Materials

To make room for construction extensions, precast concrete components can be moved or dismantled. Because you're not beginning from scratch, there are fewer resources and energy needed when you're ready to expand, making this a sustainable process. 

In the precast concrete business, downcycling, or dismantling products for restricted reuse, is usual. For instance, a concrete building might be disassembled and repurposed as new aggregate or sub-base. 

95% of the trash produced at a precast concrete company is then recycled to create new panels. Fly ash, slag, and silica fume are examples of materials that might be added to precast concrete as opposed to going into landfills. Precast concrete can also be reinforced and insulated with recycled steel.

Other Ways Precast Helps the Environment

Durable

Concrete actually gets stronger if there are unhydrated cement particles available to react with the water, unlike other building materials that might rust, rot, or otherwise deteriorate when in the presence of moisture.

Long-lasting

Precast concrete is exceptionally strong and resilient, easily withstanding the effects of the elements and even certain natural calamities. Precast concrete is typically intended to endure 50 to 100 years.

Energy Efficient

Precast concrete's thermal mass slowly absorbs and releases heat, reducing the air conditioning and heating loads to enable more compact HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. To improve thermal efficiency, insulation is frequently utilized in architectural panels and sandwich wall panels, with continuous insulation in walls being a possibility. 

Low Maintenance

Precast concrete requires extremely little maintenance after installation; if left untreated, it only has to be power washed once every 4 to 6 years, while sealed concrete slabs just need to be hosed off occasionally. Precast can sustain prolonged periods of intensive usage without losing its appeal, and some designs even take the precast's ability to weather into account.

Precast Can Be Designed In Unique Ways To Help Support The Environment

Aside from the obvious benefits of precast in terms of durability, versatility, and resilience, it is also one of the best construction materials for designing sustainable buildings and structures.  Its long-lasting nature, paired with its limitless aesthetic options, makes precast an architect’s best friend when it comes to beautifully designed sustainable structures that support the environment.