The Roman aqueducts, the Pantheon, numerous other Old World concrete structures have survived for centuries. Why do some of the concrete structures today last for 80-90 years? Lava from volcanic eruptions was a major component in the mixing of Old World concrete. Today fly ash from fossil fuel power plants can be used to strengthen our concrete products.

Concrete

Concrete is a construction material that is hiding in plain sight. It has a large environmental footprint, yet we often do not question the fundamentals. The production of one ton of cement results in about one ton of C02 emissions. Over the past decade, many green builders have begun mixing a percentage of fly ash into their concrete to offset the use of cement and lower the carbon footprint. Concrete has found its way into many architectural elements like polished floors and countertops made from a mixture of concrete and recycled glass.

Fly ash, one of several coal combustion products (CCPs), is a byproduct created in coal-fired power plants. Fly ash is a finely divided mineral residue consisting of inorganic, noncombustible matter present in the coal; a glassy structure formed by the heat of combustion. This glassy structure increases the concrete's overall strength and durability, making it both green and higher quality. Using fly ash in concrete reduces the amount of C02 emissions and waste water associated with cement production and recycles a waste material that otherwise ends up in landfills and oceans. Currently, 65% (42 million tons) of fly ash in the U.S. goes to landfills each year. Concentrations of fly ash in concrete can be as much as 50%. Odin's Hammer uses 30% fly ash as a standard at no additional cost, and uses up to 50% fly ash on specific projects.

Concrete Countertops

A green option for our homes is a recycled glass countertop. These environmentally friendly countertops are made from 85% recycled glass and 15% concrete. The glass is recycled from bottles, windshields, plate glass windows, and waste from glass craft makers. Many recycled glass manufactures also offer cradle to cradle service on their countertops, meaning that they will take back the product at the end of its useful life and remanufacture it into a new product. These countertops are beautiful and functional pieces with an environmentally friendly profile.