Eco-Friendly Concrete Solutions for Miami Gardens: Building a Greener Future

Why Go Green with Concrete?

Let’s review some of the reasons why we should all adopt sustainable or “green” concrete practices.

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: The manufacturing process for traditional concrete produces large amounts of CO2 emissions.
• Conservation of Natural Resources: Using sustainable manufacturing processes will protect our natural resources for future generations.
• Improved Air and Water Quality: In addition to reduced carbon emissions, many “green” concrete products are designed to improve water quality and air quality through the reduction of pollutants.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: While initial cost savings may be a factor in the decision to use “green” concrete products, long-term savings will come from improved durability and increased energy efficiency.

Next, let’s discuss how these “green” concrete alternatives can be used in Miami Gardens.

Pervious Concrete: A New Way to Manage Stormwater in Miami Gardens

Pervious concrete is an excellent way for Miami Gardens to proactively address stormwater issues caused by heavy rainfall events.

The Benefits of Miami Gardens

• Reduce stormwater runoff during heavy rainfall events.
• Replenish our groundwater supplies.
• Reduce or eliminate the need for separate stormwater management systems.

Best Uses for Pervious Concrete: Use pervious concrete for parking lot surfaces, driveway surfaces, sidewalk surfaces, patio surfaces, etc.

Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Give Materials a Second Chance

Using recycled aggregate materials in our concrete mix allows us to greatly reduce the amount of waste in landfills and save on raw material costs.

Benefits of Using Recycled Aggregate Concrete

• Reduce landfill waste,
• Lower demand for virgin aggregates,
• Comparable strength to traditional concrete.

Use recycled aggregate concrete for non-structural applications such as pathways, garden walls, decorative features, etc.

Low-Carbon Concrete Mixes: Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

New mix designs have been developed to greatly reduce the carbon emissions produced during the manufacture of concrete.

Benefits of Using Low-Carbon Concrete Mixes

• Portland Limestone Cement (PLC): Alternative to traditional Portland cement.
• Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs): Fly Ash, Slag, etc.
• Carbon-Curing Technologies: Used in precast concrete products.

Low-carbon concrete mixes can be used for most concrete applications, including foundations, driveways, etc.

Solar Reflective Concrete: Cooling Our Urban Environment

As one of the hottest cities in the United States, Miami Gardens has an extreme urban heat island issue. Solar reflective concrete can help mitigate this problem.

Benefits of Solar Reflective Concrete

• Lower surface temperatures.
• Lower cooling costs for adjacent buildings.
• Improve outside comfort for residents.

Solar reflective concrete can be used for driveways, sidewalks, plazas, roof decks, etc.

Concrete with Recycled Plastic: Solving Two Problems at Once

Using recycled plastic in concrete solves two major problems: it keeps plastic out of landfills and ocean pollution, and it provides a new, durable building product.

Benefits of Using Concrete with Recycled Plastic

• Divert plastic from landfills and oceans.
• Enhance the ductility and durability of the concrete.
• Lower the carbon footprint of the concrete.

Concrete with recycled plastic could potentially be used for non-structural elements, decorative items, and some precast applications.

Implementation of Eco-Friendly Concrete Products in Miami Gardens

Sustainable or “green” concrete products can benefit both the community and the environment. These products can assist in managing water resources in Miami Gardens, lowering our carbon footprint, improving air quality, and decreasing the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, Miami Gardens can set a precedent for other communities in South Florida that wish to practice sustainable development.

Are you ready to make your next concrete pour a “greener” and more sustainable one? Please contact Miami Gardens Concrete Pros today for a consultation to discuss the various options available. Together, we can build a more sustainable Miami Gardens – one pour at a time.