Concrete is one of those materials that is associated with green building (countertops, home construction, etc.), but it does take a large amount of energy to produce. However, its durability makes it attractive. The CB2 Element Coffee table is made of concrete, in an eco-friendly workshop...
The Element Coffee table is made from an aggregate of marble, granite, stone and natural fibers. Covered with a clear non-toxic wax finish, and handmade in an eco-friendly workshop powered without consumption of fossil fuels, it will truly last a lifetime.
The major impacts that people tend to associate with concrete are the use of cement, which is produced in an energy-intensive process, and the extraction of raw materials such as virgin aggregates.
However, the most energy-intensive component of concrete is portland cement which typically accounts for only about 10-15% of the total composition of concrete — the rest being water and aggregate.
So what do you think? Is this table a good purchase for a green home?
Resources:
• Cement Americas
• Concrete Centre
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I would guess the environmental manufacturing process is more than offset by the cost of shipping a giant hunk of cement to your local CB2 or your home.
view ChristopherB's profile
The table looks cool, but I don't think it's really sustainable. My understanding is that cement manufacturing is responsible for a relatively high percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. And I'd second what ChristopherB said...
view Kirsten@Nexyoo's profile
hey
is concrete bio degradable?...apart from that I know for sure that cement industries are a ma
view susrith's profile
oops...the comment wasnt done yet!
cement industries are major resource gobblers...and effluent flushers into local rivers... :(...(as we see in any modern industry)
view susrith's profile