Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) is seeking feedback from construction industry professionals on a brand new standard being developed for cement, concrete and concrete products. GECA is requesting inputs from manufacturers, construction project teams, consultants, academics and environmental organisations on the new standard.
The new GECA standard addresses the significant environmental impact caused by concrete production on the building industry, particularly during the sourcing and manufacturing stages of its lifecycle. Concrete and cement industries are known for using large quantities of raw materials, water and energy, and for releasing a significant amount of CO2 during production.
However, new sustainable initiatives are being introduced to the process with an aim to improve cement and concrete production and composition, and reduce the environmental impact. In addition to supporting and rewarding these efforts, the GECA standard will also enable manufacturers to get credits under green building and infrastructure rating tools, while also providing assurance to procurers and specifiers seeking products with a lower environmental impact.
The new standard covers three distinct sub categories: cement and supplementary cementitious materials (such as blended cements and alternative non-Portland cements), concrete (including ready-mix and concrete manufactured in temporary batching plants on site), and concrete products (such as masonry, precast concrete, pipes, roof tiles, and autoclaved cellular concrete).
The standard is open for public comment until Monday, 11 July 2016.
