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Going green and sustainability have become more than just buzzwords – it’s a way of business that pays off. Climate change and pollution are exerting an overarching impact on the earth’s socio-economic and eco-systems.

But what does it mean to go green or eco-friendly, and how important is the sustainability quotient when using construction materials for home construction these days?

Sustainability is essentially making something that lasts long. It improves the quality of life, protects the ecosystem, and is a key to a better future. The primary idea behind using sustainable building materials is to construct a structure that lasts. A longer-lasting structure or home means lower maintenance costs. The idea of sustainable construction integrates a variety of strategies during the design, construction, and operation of the building.

Concrete is a building material that is used the most in any construction. Most of the infrastructure in the world has been built using concrete in some or the other form. The chemical processes that convert limestone into calcium oxide are the major cause of the CO2 emissions. As per the reports, traditional cement production of 4.2 billion tons amounts to about 8% of the global CO2 emissions. This number can be reduced to a significant extent by replacing the traditional cement with green cement. Roughly 60% less thermal energy is consumed in green cement production than the Ordinary Portland Cement. It also reduces the urban heat island effect by increasing the concrete reflectivity.

Green cement uses a carbon-negative process of manufacturing. The major raw materials used to produce green cement include mostly the discarded waste from the industry. The slag from the blast furnace and fly ash are the chief materials used in the manufacturing of green cement. This is also the reason why the cost of green cement is way less than traditional cement.

Types of Green Cement: -

Geopolymer Cement: Also called alkali-activated cement, geopolymer cement is made by reacting aluminate and silicate-bearing materials with activators like fly ash or slag from iron and metal production. It is the most suitable substitute for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and emits 95% less CO2.

Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement (CSA): This cement is produced by burning CSA clinker from limestone, bauxite, and calcium sulfate at around 1250 degrees Celsius and blending the clinker with 15-25% gypsum. Because of its early strength development, the setting time of this kind of cement is rapid. It is known for its remarkable performance in aggressive exposure conditions.

Magnesium oxychloride cement: Sorel cement or magnesium oxychloride cement is manufactured from the aqueous reaction between the two by-products of magnesium mining namely magnesium oxide powder and a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride. Although MOC has excellent mechanical properties, its poor water resistance reduces its strength. However, that can be offset by using additives like fly ash.

Sequestrated Carbon Cement: This cement is made by using seawater and brine compounded with CO2. In the manufacturing process, the gases that consist of CO2 are filtered through seawater. The compressive strength of concrete with sequestration of CO2 gas is higher than that of concrete without sequestration.

Ekkomaxx Cement: Ekkomaxx cement is a rigorously engineered cement with better durability, corrosion resistance, higher early strength development, improved volume stability, and low retained moisture. As per the United States Green Building Council, this cement has nearly zero carbon footprint.

Ferrocrete: Ferrocrete or Ferrocement is a relatively thin structural composite material made by switching layers of welded steel wire meshes and cement mortar. Ferrocement is a widely used cement alternative in the construction industry due to low self-weight, lack of skilled workers, and no need for a framework.

Cement is largely the most essential resource for constructing homes. However, cement manufacturing is extremely energy intensive and contributes significantly to the global warning which needs immediate cutback. In this endeavor, the implementation of green production practices and technologies in the cement sector is imperative for India, because the country is the second biggest producer worldwide.

When choosing building materials, it is also important to consider the lifespan of the material. A good design is achievable only with quality materials and hence materials are the solution to a good functioning building. At JSW, cement is produced from the slag produced during the steel-making process. Slag is extremely effective in reducing permeability and adds to the concrete durability. This can replace 70-80% of ordinary portland cement in most constructions. JSW Green cement is India’s first cement to receive the coveted Green Pro Certification for Portland Slag Cement from the Confederation of Indian Industry – Indian Green Building Council.

Construction is responsible for a substantial amount of material and energy consumption. There are so many eco-friendly materials in construction available these days. Long dismissed for being costlier, the myth has finally started to bust and green materials are seeing a surge in popularity. If you’re planning to build a home, make sure to incorporate the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials like green cement, and in the long run, you will certainly save a lot of money owing to lesser maintenance and more durability besides enjoying better health and conserving the environment for both current and future generations.