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Environmentally-Friendly Today, Tomorrow and Well into the Future
Building with precast concrete is not only easier and faster than traditional construction techniques, it also provides a whole list of environmental benefits at every step of the project’s lifecycle.
Better from the start
The production of precast concrete uses an extremely low water-to-cement ratio, helping to limit overuse of natural water resources. Precast is also made with primarily local materials such as sand and gravel, reducing the need for shipping raw materials. This helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. When complete, precast components are typically delivered within a small geographic area, also helping to keep emissions to a minimum. Since the Gage Brothers’ production facility is a controlled environment with state-of-the-art equipment, there is little construction material waste.
Better at the worksite
Precast concrete is delivered to the job site ready to be erected. Delivering the product on an as-needed basis results in less site disturbance to the surrounding areas and less clutter on the job site. Precast structures erect quickly, which oftentimes shortens the project duration, resulting in less environmental impact on adjacent areas.
Offsite Construction
Fast Speed of Construction with Precast Concrete
Better for decades to come
The thermal mass effect of concrete can help achieve an efficient envelope. This can be magnified by sandwiching insulation between two layers of concrete in an insulated precast wall panel. With thermal storage provided by the concrete, there is a reduction in daily and seasonal temperature swings. By damping and shifting peak loads to a later time, thermal mass reduces peak energy requirements for building operations.
Precast concrete is inert, which mitigates its potential for polluting water sources or contributing to other health hazards. It is also inedible to insects and vermin and quite resistant to natural disasters like floods, high winds and fire, reducing the need for major repairs that would use additional resources.
Structures made with precast concrete are extremely durable and can last well over 100 years. Should a precast building complete its lifecycle or be removed for other reasons, precast panels, columns, beams and most other components can be repurposed or even broken down to produce new precast products.
Gage Brothers works tirelessly with sustainability in mind. Our sustainability efforts include recycling all steel waste, sending wood waste to a nearby POET facility, and crushing all waste concrete to be used as a sub-grade construction material. Gage Brothers is always looking for ways to improve our operations to help protect the environment and improve the quality of life for all involved.
Adaptive Reuse of Precast Concrete Buildings
Precast Concrete Structures Are Resilient
Learn more about the sustainability benefits of precast concrete and discuss its role in your next project.
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