Determination of the carbon dioxide emissions of raw materials used in the production of concrete in the northern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in the Brazilian construction industry. This widespread use is mainly due to the easiness of implementation and adaptation to various forms. The reduction of the consumption of materials involved in the production of concrete is one way to achieve more sustainable construction. These reductions, if evaluated taking into account also the impacts that the production generates in the environment, are likely to enhance or redirect the conclusions or decisions to be made regarding the quest for greater environmental sustainability. With this objective in mind, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and the environmental impacts of the production of concrete were evaluated, considering the extraction and production of materials (binder, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and steel) used in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. One of the conclusions of the study was that lower strength concrete produces lower CO₂emissions, and that the influence of transport emissions is significant due to the long distances that most of the raw materials must cover.

Keywords:
Concrete; CO₂; Emissions; Raw materials; Extraction; Production; Transportation