00:02 Precast concrete industry aims for climate neutrality

• The association represents manufacturers of precast concrete products.
• Industry has room for improvement to reduce emissions and increase renewable energies

07:01 Environmental product declarations are important for measuring and improving the environmental impact of building products.

• Environmental product declarations provide a fixed picture of the environmental impact of production processes.
• They allow comparison with other building materials and systems and are increasingly important due to growing awareness and legislation.

13:39 Precast concrete industry roadmap to decarbonization

• Environmental product declarations obtained for each product category
• Raw materials are key to reducing environmental impact

19:50 CO2 footprint reduction in precast concrete production

• Analysis of categories, structures, slabs, pavements, etc. to reduce environmental impact
• Adjust cement usage and refine dosages to work with the same or less raw materials.

26:08 Businesses adopt sustainable practices for economic and environmental benefits

• Adoption of green energy and solar panels to reduce energy costs and environmental impact
• Use of recycled aggregates for clean manufacturing and economic benefits
• Focus on water conservation and knowledge sharing among companies for sustainable practices.

32:11 Tecnalia has developed and accredited a new tool for the environmental declaration of products that facilitates companies to obtain their own certificates.

• The tool was audited and accredited by Tecnalia almost a year ago.
• The tool allows companies to carry out the process of obtaining environmental product declarations on their own.

38:12 Buildings designed to be circular and durable can reduce CO2 footprint.

• Building installations can be designed to be cyclable, ensuring that they can be reincorporated into a new process at the end of their useful life.
• Industrialization in construction can lead to more consistent and sustainable building practices

44:22 The importance of decarbonization in the concrete industry

• Concrete industry must work autonomously to achieve ambitious carbon footprint reduction targets
• Optimizing designs and relying on technology can help achieve sustainability goals

50:04 Regulations must change to allow for more than 20% recycled material in construction

• Studies show that it is feasible to use more than 20% recycled material
• Current regulations are obsolete and traceable recycled material should be permitted

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In a world where concern for the environment takes center stage, the precast concrete industry has become a driving force in the quest for sustainability. As an organization representing manufacturers of precast concrete products, it has recognized the growing importance of reducing emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy to combat climate change. With a firm commitment to environmental responsibility, this industry is charting a path toward climate neutrality that promises a better future for both the industry and the planet. These declarations are crucial tools for measuring and improving the environmental impact of building products. By providing a global view of the environmental impacts associated with production processes, EPDs enable comparisons with other building materials and systems. To realize its vision of decarbonization, the precast concrete industry has developed a roadmap focused on obtaining EPDs for each product category and minimizing environmental impact through the responsible use of raw materials. Their dedication to reducing the carbon footprint of precast concrete production is evident in their comprehensive approach. They analyze various categories, structures, slabs and pavements, perfecting cement usage and dosage settings, while striving to work with the same or fewer raw materials. Leading companies in the precast concrete sector are paving the way by adopting sustainable practices that bring both economic and environmental benefits. By harnessing the power of green energy and solar panels, these companies are not only reducing their energy costs, but also minimizing their environmental impact. In addition, the adoption of recycled aggregates for clean manufacturing and a strong emphasis on water conservation further contribute to their sustainable journey. To simplify the process of obtaining WTPs, the industry has introduced a state-of-the-art tool accredited by Tecnalia. This easy-to-use tool allows companies to obtain their own EPD certificates more easily, making sustainability accessible to a greater number of organizations. In addition, the industry recognizes the importance of circularity and durability in construction. If buildings are designed with these principles in mind, they can make a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. The industrialization of the construction process and the creation of cyclable facilities ensure that they are re-incorporated into new processes at the end of their useful life, creating a more sustainable and consistent approach to building practices.While design optimization and reliance on technology play vital roles in achieving sustainability goals, there are certain regulatory barriers that need to be overcome. Currently, regulations limit the allowable percentage of recycled material in construction to 20%. However, studies have shown that the use of more than 20% recycled material is feasible and can pave the way for more environmentally friendly construction practices. In summary, the precast concrete industry is at the forefront of the sustainability movement, driven by a strong commitment to reducing emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy and implementing sustainable practices throughout the construction process. By obtaining Environmental Product Declarations, refining the use of raw materials, adopting green energy sources and embracing circular design, the industry is making significant strides toward achieving its sustainability goals. With continued efforts to promote regulatory changes and foster a more environmentally responsible sector, a brighter future awaits both the industry and the planet. The precast concrete industry is shaping a world in which sustainability is not just a vision, but a reality.