As the commercial and industrial construction industry continues to evolve, there is growing demand for concrete contractors to offer more sustainable concrete practices and materials. According to Trellis, more than 7 billion cubic meters of concrete are produced throughout the world each year. Here are a few solutions for incorporating more sustainable concrete practices into the realm of modern construction.
Eco-Friendly Concrete
One way to address the construction industry’s environmental impact is to use more eco-friendly materials. “Green” concrete is made with this environmental impact in mind, recycling waste materials such as fly ash, slag, and recycled aggregate. When local concrete suppliers use concrete containing recycled material it cuts out some of the industrial processes, lowering the overall environmental impact.
Just-in-Time Production
If companies are looking to cut back on unused or wasted material, implementing just-in-time, or JIT, production practice is one way to do so. This simply means adjusting ordering practices so that materials are supplied just as they’re needed, cutting back on overordering and the need to store or dispose of excess materials. This means your industrial supplier must have a detailed understanding of what supplies will be required, and when, so that there are no delays in the construction timeline.
Lean Manufacturing
Before implementing JIT industrial supply practices, companies may need to take a wider view of overall practices and implement a lean manufacturing mindset. The first step here is looking at the entire industrial supply process and identifying areas where waste may occur. A local concrete supplier should then make a plan for how materials will flow so that there is no over-supply, and so that bottlenecks don’t happen.
Metered Concrete
Your local concrete supplier will likely offer one of two options for supplying your material: ready-mix, which is prepared beforehand and delivered to your site ready to use, or onsite mixed, also called metered concrete delivery. The second option is a great choice for sustainability. Metered concrete is mixed in a truck at your site, reducing waste, using less energy, and saving you money since the company will only supply what you need.
It’s possible for the industrial and commercial construction industry to meet the demand for more sustainable concrete solutions. Implementing one or two of the practices above can be the first step toward a more green concrete supply industry. If you’re looking for a company to supply your concrete while implementing a no-waste mindset, consider GFP Mobile Mix Supply. Our specialty is delivering metered concrete so that there’s no wasted material, and you save money! Reach out through our website or by phone today to request a quote or schedule your delivery.