Sustainable aggregates: a key to the future of construction
First and foremost, in the context of the construction industry and sustainability, the term “aggregate” refers to granular materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, used as main components of concrete, asphalt, and other construction works. Aggregates play a structural role, providing strength and stability to buildings. “Sustainable aggregates” include materials derived from recycling processes or alternative sources, such as construction waste or industrial by-products, which reduce the environmental impact associated with the extraction and processing of virgin raw materials.
The use of aggregates is therefore fundamental for the construction of infrastructures such as roads, bridges, and buildings. However, the production of traditional aggregates, derived from the extraction of raw materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone, has a significant environmental impact, including the consumption of natural resources and CO2 emissions. For this reason, the industry is increasingly turning to sustainable solutions like “regenerated aggregates.”
What are sustainable aggregates?
Sustainable aggregates come from recycled or regenerated materials, such as industrial waste, construction residues, or demolition debris. Instead of ending up in landfills, these materials are recovered and treated through specific processes to be reused in construction projects. This approach significantly reduces the need to extract new raw materials and contributes to waste reduction.
The benefits of regenerated aggregates
Beyond the obvious advantage of reducing the extraction of virgin materials, sustainable aggregates offer numerous environmental and economic benefits. Their use helps decrease the ecological impact of construction, improve waste management, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also represent a cost-effective solution, especially for projects where locally regenerated materials can be used.
Innovative technologies for producing sustainable aggregates
In recent years, research has developed advanced technologies for recycling construction materials. Techniques such as pyrolysis, for example, allow even complex materials, like those used in asphalt, to be regenerated. One of the main challenges is ensuring that sustainable aggregates have the same mechanical properties and durability as virgin aggregates, thereby ensuring the quality of infrastructure.
The innovation of Green Quarry
A concrete example of regenerated aggregates is the Green Quarry system by Redemption. This innovative treatment process allows for the regeneration of asphalt milling, transforming it into a material ready to be reused in the construction of new roads or as an aggregate for other construction projects. Not only does this approach reduce the environmental impact of producing new aggregates, but it also enables the closure of the material cycle in a circular economy perspective.
The future of sustainable aggregates
The use of sustainable aggregates is no longer a futuristic option but a necessity to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector. With increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the growing demand for eco-friendly materials, the adoption of regenerated aggregates will become a fundamental part of the transition toward more sustainable construction practices.
