Environmental concerns are not new to humanity - they date back as long as there is recorded history. Civilizations have had to deal with pollution in many different forms, especially as societies began to grow and cities became more densely populated. The modern-day green movement can be traced back to the early 1970's with the beginning of the Earth Day. These efforts have been an attempt to draw attention to the impact humans have on the health and resources of the planet, and the importance of working toward sustainable living and development so future generations can continue to thrive here on earth.
This course will take a detailed look at the many environmental advantages of ready mix concrete and how it is playing a growing role in green building design and construction. Participants will come away with a better understanding of how ready mix concrete can be used to minimize the environmental impact associated with construction and day-to-day building operations. They will be introduced to the life cycle methodology and shown how ready mix concrete contributes to earning LEED certification.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Summarize the history of environmental concerns that impact public perception
- Identify how buildings impact our environment
- Discuss how to integrate a life cycle perspective when considering green buildings
- Describe concrete's unique environmental advantages in energy efficiency, material resources and sustainable site considerations
- Identify concrete applications that contribute to LEED credits