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Building Climate Resistant Housing With Concrete: A Sustainable Solution for Climate Change

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As the global focus shifts toward combating climate change, the construction industry is rethinking traditional building methods. Although not a typically traditional building material, concrete provides the safest structure possible in these trying times. What we see every year across Canada and increasingly in the U.S. and Europe, is the unnecessary destruction of property due to wildfires, floods and powerful winds.

Now before you protest; the concrete industry has been a leading contributor to increased CO2 emissions in the past BUT, as such a key building material used across the planet, there have been technological leaps and bounds made to reduce the harm concrete (or the cement) causes to the environment.

Companies like Carbon Upcycling Technologies are doing tremendous work to greenify the industry, check them out at the link above. Carbon Upcycling and others are working to use alternative binders and recycled aggregates to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the concrete industry. 

 Why Concrete Homes Are Key in the Fight Against Climate Change

Concrete homes are emerging as a sustainable and resilient solution, offering numerous advantages in the face of climate challenges. Concrete is a versatile and durable material that can reduce the environmental impact of construction when used strategically. Here’s why concrete homes are an ideal choice:

1. Energy Efficiency

Building concrete homes creates a thermal mass which absorbs the natural heat of the sun during the day and releases it during the night and creates a virtually impenetrable barrier for heat retention during cooler periods. This absorbing, storing, and releasing of heat helps regulate indoor temperature fluctuations, which results in:

  • Reduced reliance on heating and cooling systems

  • Smaller and less complicated HVAC systems

  • Lower energy consumption and utility bills

  • A significant decrease in monthly greenhouse gas emissions

  • The reduction of wear and tear on your home’s heating and cooling system

Using Monolith Systems Concrete Insulated Panels (CIP) can further enhance energy efficiency, making concrete homes eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long term. To enhance the fire resilience we would advise using Rockwool insulation instead of our typical styrofoam for its fire retardant properties.

2. Resilience to Extreme Weather

Climate change is intensifying natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. Concrete homes provide:

  • Fire resistance: Concrete does not burn, offering safety during wildfires.

  • Flood resilience: Properly designed concrete structures can resist water damage.

  • Wind resistance: Reinforced concrete can withstand high winds, offering durability during storms.

This resilience reduces the need for repairs and rebuilds, saving resources and minimizing environmental impact.

3. Sustainable Construction Practices

Modern concrete production methods are addressing the material’s carbon footprint by:

  • Incorporating recycled aggregates.

  • Utilizing supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and slag.

  • Advancing carbon capture technologies to reduce CO2 emissions during production and sequestering carbon inside the concrete not allowing it into the atmosphere.

By choosing eco-conscious suppliers and innovative construction techniques, builders can significantly lower the environmental impact of concrete homes.

Concrete Homes and Climate Adaptation

Building concrete homes is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about sustainability and preparing for a future influenced by climate change. As governments and organizations push for green building solutions, concrete homes align with global climate goals such as reducing carbon emissions and enhancing community resilience.

Passive Design Benefits: Concrete homes support passive design principles, reducing energy demand and increasing comfort levels without heavy reliance on mechanical systems.

Reduced Lifecycle Emissions: Over a building’s lifespan, the energy savings and durability of concrete homes often outweigh the initial carbon footprint of production.

Building for the Future with Concrete

Although the upfront cost of a concrete home can be more than a standard wood frame house, savings will be had over time through reduced maintenance costs and smaller energy bills. When faced with climate change and the fallout it brings on global housing, you can rest assured your investment will survive no matter what comes if you choose to build with Monolith Systems CIP. Lucky for you, NZ Builders and Monolith Systems are versatile builders who are willing to roam and will come to you, no matter where you are located to secure your future in a safe, healthy, sustainable home.

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