Understanding the benefits of low-carbon concrete for your project

As sustainability becomes a top priority for New Zealand specifiers and homeowners, innovative materials like low-carbon concrete are paving the way for a greener outcome for all. According to a 2023 report, traditional concrete production accounts for nearly 8 per cent of the global carbon dioxide output. 

Atlas Concrete’s GreenStone LCC low-carbon concrete range is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete, drastically reducing emissions while maintaining the strength and resilience needed for building and construction.

Atlas Concrete is committed to utilising the lowest embodied carbon GP Cement available in New Zealand: a locally manufactured cement from Golden Bay Cement. 

Its GreenStone LCC range has been designed to further reduce embodied carbon and carbon dioxide emissions by 20-70 per cent, compared to the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) 2020 baseline. “This means, Greenstone LCC has only about 12-15 per cent of the carbon dioxide footprint compared to traditional concrete,” says Sheldon Turner, Account Manager at Atlas Concrete. 

1. Significant carbon dioxide reduction 

Undoubtedly, the main benefit of the GreenStone LCC range is the reduced carbon dioxide. “Traditional concrete production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, so by substituting cement with SCMs, not only decreases the overall carbon footprint of the concrete, but it also increases the sustainability of the entire structure,” says Sheldon.

 2. Recycling industry waste 

Instead of sending by-products to landfills, the GreenStone LCC range recycles waste materials into valuable construction components. Sheldon explains, "Instead of discarding fly ash, which comes from burning coal, and slag, which is a by-product of steel manufacturing, we integrate them into our mixes to create stronger, more sustainable concrete." 

 3. Increased durability

Atlas' GreenStone low-carbon concrete is more resilient, making it ideal for residential and commercial projects. "The additions in the mixes make concrete stronger, and stronger materials mean fewer repairs and replacements,” says Sheldon. "A structure that lasts longer means lower emissions over its lifecycle.”

 4. Improved thermal efficiency 

Concrete’s naturally high thermal mass helps regulate temperatures indoors and reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.

Sheldon notes, "Unlike timber structures, concrete retains heat during the day and releases it at night, reducing the need for heating and cooling.”

5. Budget approved

GreenStone LCC is currently cost-neutral, offering a sustainable option for builders and homeowners without incurring additional financial burdens. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking to make environmentally conscious decisions while staying within budget.

“Green Stone LCC mixes are not just for special projects or applications; it’s a great everyday mix that affords numerous advantages,” says Sheldon.

According to Sheldon, GreenStone LCC range is safe to use across various projects, including: 

• Commercial: warehouses, office and industrial facilities 
• Residential: used for flooring, walls and sustainable housing 
• Infrastructure: Roads, bridges and public buildings
• Tilt panel construction: precast panels for faster building methods 

Sheldon remarks, "We’re currently using our low-carbon mixes for our new head office, incorporating it into our tilt panels to showcase its performance and sustainability."

"In New Zealand, we mainly use timber for residential construction, but concrete is gaining traction, especially in high-end homes where energy efficiency and thermal control are important."

By leveraging industrial by-products, extending building lifecycles, and improving energy efficiency, GreenStone LCC Low-Carbon Concrete could be the answer to increasing government regulations and consumer demand.

Equipped with its own quarry and a concrete tilt panel sub-brand, family-owned, Atlas Concrete has over 75 years of experience in the concrete construction business.

Sheldon remarks, "Our goal is simple, really. Reduce waste, cut emissions, and build structures that last. The longer a building lasts, the more sustainable the outcome becomes over time."

Learn more about GreenStone LCC range of mixes and Atlas Concrete on ArchiPro.

*GreenStone LCC is a Trademark of Atlas Concrete.