Few would argue that, of the common construction materials, concrete is a hard substance. Perhaps not as hard as steel, but still pretty hard. And, as commonly created, a source of considerable GHG (greenhouse gas), especially CO2. Luckily, the industry is seeking ways to mitigate the damaging elements and improve the positive elements. As you might recall we had a discussion about this a week ago, both on The Peggy Smedley Show and here in the news. But here today, we are going to add even more context about a very growing segment to help the industry address its environmental impact.
The environmental impact of CO2 on the climate is no longer debated, it’s accepted globally. Many European Union countries have formulated extensive plans to combat the damage done by GHG, focusing on the major industries creating the problem.
For example, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, France is focusing on the construction industry, which accounts for 25% of its CO2 emissions. The new environmental regulation, the RE2020 (in force on Jan. 1, 2022) integrates the carbon dimension of each construction project through a life-cycle analysis. A major player in this arena is Chryso, a division acquired by Saint-Gobain in 2021.
In 2022, following the acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies, the Construction Chemicals Business Unit within Saint-Gobain High Performance Solutions was formed. This new business unit includes:
- Chryso‘s current operations
- GCP SBM (Specialty Building Materials) outside of North America.
(SBM North America will be part of the Saint-Gobain regional business) - GCP SCC (Specialty Construction Chemicals) on a global basis.
The Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals division offers cement additives, concrete admixtures and specialty building materials, through the combined activities of Chryso and GCP. Its recent technologies for sustainable construction help reduce energy consumption, lower the carbon footprint of cements and concrete, and foster the circular economy. Leveraging its global manufacturing presence, Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals serves its customers through local sites in over 40 countries, employing more than 2,700 people.
Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals has released a novel class of strength enhancers for concrete, called EnviroMix SE, that represents the next generation admixture solution and plays a key role in Saint-Gobain’s commitment to the decarbonization of construction.
Based on the latest Chryso innovations, the new EnviroMix range integrates specific polymers and catalyzers for an optimum reduction of the carbon footprint in concrete, while ensuring a high level of performance:
- CHRYSOEnviroMix : up to 50% CO2 reduction /m3 of concrete.
- CHRYSO EnviroMix ULC (Ultra Low-Carbon): a reduction of CO2 / m3 of concrete beyond 50%.1017
Aligned with Saint-Gobain’s purpose of “Making the World a Better Home,” EnviroMix SE combines high performance with carbon footprint reduction, to accelerate the pace of low-carbon transition in the construction industry. EnviroMix SE is a strength enhancer for concrete that reduces the cement factor by approximately 10%, in addition to a water reducer, while maintaining premium concrete quality and performance. Water reducers are a powerful solution to reduce cement factor, but they can reach limits.
EnviroMix SE is a solution to further reducing cement, cost, and carbon while increasing the strength of concrete. It activates the hydration of Cement and Supplementary Cementitious Materials and enhances early and late age strengths, up to 1000 PSI at one day. In addition, it is neutral to slump life and other concrete characteristics and compatible with water reducers admixtures. To meet the specific requirements of concrete producers, tailor-made formulations can be customized for materials and performance.
Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals is well-positioned to assist the industry on its journey to be carbon neutral by 2050. In the pursuit of carbon reduction in the construction industry globally, the group recognizes that options must be cost efficient, and offers products that not only reduce carbon throughout the lifecycle of concrete, but also reduce costs.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #construction #sustainability #infrastructure