The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method comprises the compilation and evaluation of inputs, outputs and environmental impacts of a product during its life cycle. The results of this analysis are used to select alternative products or processes for a particular application. This paper compared the process of making Portland cement concrete and Geopolymer concrete, the latter obtained from the alkaline activation of aluminosilicates. The CO2 emissions (kg CO2 / m³) and energy demand (MJ / m³) for the production of 1 m³ of both concretes were used to determine the sustainable potential of these materials. The main objective was to assess whether geopolymer concrete is more sustainable than traditional Portland cement concrete. The results showed that geopolymer concrete reduces energy consumption by 45.8%, compared with Portland cement-based concrete, and has a similar mechanical performance. In addition, the use of geopolymer concrete reduces CO2 emissions by 72.4%, when compared with traditional CP-II Portland cement concrete. Hence, Geopolymer is an alternative material with lower environmental impact that should be considered in the production of sustainable building materials.
Geopolymer; Concrete; Portland Cement; Sustainability; Life Cycle Assessment
