Building trends evolve over time and one of the more noteworthy changes the industry has seen in recent decades is the creation of the LEED certification rating system. This “badge of honor” is earned through the design of structures that address environmental issues in a mindful manner. The LEED Rating system was developed by the non-profit, non-governmental organization known as the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The organization has developed this voluntary rating system to aid designers. Oftentimes, public projects will mandate that a structure must attain a specific level of LEED certification but private projects have the option to pursue a rating if desired. 

Based on a point system, the more points earned the higher the level achieved and the greater the reward. The points are earned resource-efficient buildings and healthy spaces for occupants.

So what does any of that have to do with precast? Precast concrete building components possess some of the most inherently environmentally friendly and resource friendly attributes of any building material available. The sustainability factor alone of projects constructed with precast well outperforms competing materials.  

SUSTAINABILITY

Thermal efficiency: Edge-to-edge, top-to-bottom rigid insulation can be used within a relatively thin wall, providing a high effective R value. The thermal mass of the concrete provides an added benefit by slowing heat transmission through the wall, flattening out temperature swings. Visit the link for further details on precast insulated wall panels 

Reduced Life Cycle/Maintenance Costs: Over the life of the structure, precast concrete costs less to maintain and lasts longer than other traditional building materials resulting in less need for repair/replacement. Building a structure that lasts decades with little additional maintenance versus building a structure that requires on-going upkeep makes sense and saves money. Couple this with the integration of recycled materials in the manufacturing process and the savings is even greater. 

Energy Savings: Aside from the thermal mass of concrete itself, walls are often insulated with materials such as polystyrene to maximize the R-value. They act as a thick insulated barrier against summer sun and winter cold. This characteristic allows for a smaller investment in HVAC equipment on the front end and eases the load on HVAC systems over the long haul, resulting in lower operating costs.

Durability in Challenging Environments

Whether the issue is hurricanes, flooding or tornadoes, the “tough as nails” properties of precast concrete addresses the issue with an inherent durability unmatched by competing building materials. Dig further into the advantages of precast concrete as a primary building material at both resources at the links below.  Sustainability, life-cycle considerations, and environmental product declarations make the case for why pracast is a slam dunk in areas prone to repeated extreme weather challenges. 

Current Innovations

Carbon Neutral Concrete

In an attempt to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is produced during the production of cement, a key ingredient in concrete, substantial resources have been directed toward solutions to create a more carbon neutral mix.

Concrete Recycling

As further examples of how concrete can be environmentally friendly in the form of a recycled material, visit the following link to learn the five step process for concrete recycling and ways reclaimed concrete is used for such things as underpass abutments, erosion control structures and pipe bedding. 

BioInnovation Center

The BioInnovation Center was the first laboratory building in Louisiana to achieve LEED Gold certification as a result of various sustainable features. The sustainable design features include:

• An outdoor water feature that also serves as a basin to capture rainwater and AC condensation which provides water to all the building’s landscaping

• Careful design which allows for more windows while reducing the solar gain of the facade

• Seventy five percent of the building facade provides daylight to illuminate the facility resulting in less energy usage during the day

• Building facade includes glaze that provides solar controls to assist with building temperature

Precast concrete building products are sustainable, versatile and durable. Regardless of whether the goal is LEED certification, or simply a building that is going to perform well for decades with minimal maintenance and excellent life cycle costs, precast concrete is a top performer that continues to outshine its competitors in nearly every environmental category over the long haul. Do it right the first time...this is HOW PRECAST BUILDS.