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FROM WORDS TO ACTION

Sustainability is a concept that has gained significant importance in the construction industry and is here to stay. In an era of increased focus on environmental challenges and the need to create a more sustainable future, it is essential to recognize the importance of sustainability in construction. Particularly, it is crucial to emphasize the materials used, their durability, and their production.

At Hi-Con, we take our responsibility seriously. We acknowledge that the construction industry faces significant challenges, and we aim to contribute to a better future. Therefore, in recent years, we have made substantial efforts to minimize our environmental impact. Our approach has gone beyond merely doing what is necessary – we strive to be at the forefront!

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF UHPC

Most people are aware that concrete significantly impacts the environment. This is mainly due to its high cement content, which also applies to CRC, our own generation of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). Although UHPC itself cannot be categorized as sustainable, it can serve as a better alternative to traditional concrete and steel.

 

  • Our concept balcony emits 22.8% less CO2 than a steel balcony.
  • A lifespan of 100+ years.
  • Requires no maintenance.
  • Fewer trucks needed for transport due to slimmer elements.
  • Less material consumption compared to traditional concrete.

REDUCTION OF CEMENT IN OUR UHPC

Our high cement content is the most significant factor for our environmental impact, and we have long been working on various methods to reduce the amount of cement. The first initiative is the so-called CRC i3, a mortar with larger aggregates. By adding larger aggregates, we can reduce the amount of cement.

 

This composition allows us to achieve a 30% reduction in cement, while also gaining better strength and stiffness, albeit with a small cost. The downside is that the current composition results in somewhat poorer workability, which means this type of UHPC can only be used for part of our production (mainly flat panels). Another approach to reducing cement content is to replace the cement with a filler of the same particle size.

 

Initial tests have been conducted with lime filler and marble dust. By replacing 30% of the cement, we see no reduction in strength. Although increased sustainability is a high priority, it is crucial that we do not compromise on the properties documented in our ETA and long-term durability.

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FURTHER INITIATIVES

We have launched several initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and our environmental impact. This includes recording and analyzing our emissions and developing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). By integrating these into our operational and decision-making processes, we are better positioned to continuously optimize our sustainable strategy and take responsibility for our environmental impact.

As part of our sustainability strategy, we have developed an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for our balconies. The EPD is a document that describes the environmental properties and impacts of our products throughout their entire lifecycle. This process involves a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), where we assess the environmental impact from raw material extraction, production, distribution, use, and disposal of our products.

 

Read our EPD here →

DOWNLOADS

 

Hi-Con's EPD for balconies

 

The Carbon Footprint Of Reinforced Concrete

At Hi-Con, we believe that designing elements for disassembly is a crucial strategy for creating a more sustainable future. Currently, buildings are often designed with an expected lifespan of 50 years. Since our elements have a lifespan of 100+ years, it is important for us that our elements can be recycled or reused when the building can no longer serve its purpose.

 

In recent years, we have frequently worked with balconies that are installed on the building after the rest of the structure is completed. This means that the balconies can be relatively easily removed if the building is decommissioned. By making our concrete elements easy to disassemble and reuse, we can minimize waste and use resources more efficiently. This enables us to be active participants in the circular economy and contribute to a more sustainable construction industry.

 

An example of our commitment to reuse is our participation in the (P)Recast project. This project focuses on reusing concrete elements from demolition projects and creating new applications for these materials.

Hi-Con is a member of the Council for Sustainable Building and has supplied many projects that have received DGNB certification. Our balconies can contribute positively to the evaluation in several areas, which you can read more about in the link below.

 

Through DGNB-certified projects, we can demonstrate how the use of UHPC can positively impact the environmental, economic, and social aspects evaluated by DGNB.

NEW CO2 REQUIREMENTS

From January 1st, 2023, a very specific requirement came into effect in Denmark regarding emissions in connection with new construction and major renovations - namely, a requirement for emissions of less than 12 kg CO2eq/m2/year over a lifespan of 50 years. This requirement is now considered a crucial requirement. If it is not met, the construction can not be carried out. The rules of requirement is expected to tightened every two years.

 

In an amendment to the building regulations, it is stated that balconies and balcony corridors can be included in the building's area with 25% of the balcony's area, and in several cases, this may mean that the balcony "rests on itself" and does not burden the rest of the building. If we can further reduce the burden, there may be an opportunity for large balconies to actually be used to relieve the rest of the building.

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Would you like to know more about our Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC)?

 

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS!

 

 

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