By: Neeraj Vashisht
Student, Department of Building Engineering and Management, School of Planning and Architecture, New
Delhi, India
Abstract: In today’s construction industry, the imperative to merge quality with environmental responsibility has prompted a profound paradigm shift towards eco-friendly construction materials. This study conducts a comprehensive examination of the environmental impacts associated with traditional bricks and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, with a specific focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). While traditional bricks, steeped in historical significance, offer durability and high thermal mass, their kilning process raises significant environmental concerns due to high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, AAC, derived from waste materials such as fly ash, presents a viable alternative with a substantially reduced environmental footprint. Utilizing SimaPro software and the CML 2 method, this study meticulously evaluates the environmental burdens of AAC blocks and bricks. Findings reveal that AAC blocks exhibit higher environmental impacts per unit mass compared to traditional bricks. However, due to their lower density, fewer AAC blocks are required in construction, resulting in an overall reduced environmental impact throughout the lifecycle. Major contributors to environmental burdens include energy consumption, emissions, and resource extraction. Key considerations for environmentally friendly decision-making encompass ozone layer depletion, global warming, and acidification. Although AAC blocks demonstrate higher global warming potential per kilogram, their lower density mitigates overall environmental harm compared to traditional bricks. Additionally, factors such as usability, economy, and accessibility play pivotal roles in material selection, influencing the overall sustainability of construction projects. In conclusion, AAC blocks present promising prospects for sustainable construction practices. Their utilization offers a pathway to reconcile the construction industry’s quest for quality with a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability. By leveraging LCA methodologies, this study provides valuable insights into the comparative environmental impacts of AAC blocks and traditional bricks, contributing to informed decision-making in the construction sector. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of considering not only the environmental impact but also factors like usability and economy in material selection processes. This holistic approach is crucial for fostering a greener and more sustainable construction industry, aligned with global initiatives to address climate change and reduce ecological footprints.
Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Sustainability, Construction materials, Simapro
Citation:
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