Abstract
Concrete block production significantly contributes to environmental degradation. A thorough understanding of its ecological implications is critical for sustainable development. This study investigates concrete block manufacturing’s environmental impact by quantifying embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption via a comprehensive life cycle assessment. An extended life cycle assessment methodology is utilized to quantify the environmental indicators throughout the concrete block production lifecycle. Primary industry data and secondary research data ensure accuracy and reliability. Findings showed that concrete block manufacturing requires 2.5–4.1 times more embodied energy than equal clinker mass. Cement and aggregate production and transportation account for substantial energy needs. Limestone calcination during cement production causes significant CO2 emissions, 2.3–3.3 times higher than the minimum. Water consumption is concerning during curing and washing. Exploring alternative cementitious materials, optimized processes, and water recycling can reduce embodied energy by up to 75%, CO2 emissions by up to 67%, and water consumption by up to 80%. Concrete block manufacturing necessitates considerable energy and generates significant emissions. Implementing sustainable measures can minimize embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption, enabling environmentally responsible manufacturing. This research emphasizes adopting sustainability practices to mitigate environmental impact. Policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers can employ these insights to develop effective strategies promoting green manufacturing. The concrete block industry can contribute to a sustainable future through sustainable practices.
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Data availability
The data and materials used in this study are available upon request from the corresponding author, Silambarasan Rajendran, to ensure transparency and promote further scientific inquiry.
Abbreviations
- BCE:
-
Structural concrete block
- BCP:
-
Concrete block for pavement
- BCV:
-
Concrete block for sealing
- LCA:
-
Life cycle assessment
- CO2 :
-
Carbon dioxide
- CP V:
-
Portland cement type V
- FE:
-
Emission factor
- EI:
-
Embodied energy
- CD:
-
Diesel consumption
- FC:
-
Fuel consumption factor
- NV:
-
Number of trips
- MTT:
-
Total transport mass
- QTDmp:
-
Total raw material quantity
- DIST:
-
Transport distance
- FET:
-
CO2 emission factor for rail transport
- ECO2 :
-
CO2 emissions
- mp:
-
Raw material input
- pc:
-
Per piece
- n:
-
Energy type
- CE:
-
Energy consumption
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AA: conceptualization, methodology, data collection, writing—original draft. SJ: methodology, data analysis, writing—review and editing. SR: conceptualization, supervision, project administration. RD: data analysis, visualization, writing—review and editing.
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Ashokan, A., Jaganathan, S., Rajendran, S. et al. Analysis of environmental performance indicators for concrete block manufacturing: embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 8842–8862 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31786-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31786-w