Going Green with Precast: The Advantages of Portland Limestone Cement (PLC)
As part of Precon’s efforts to move to more sustainable resources, we are moving to the use of Portland-Limestone cement (PLC), specifically a high sulphate resistant limestone blend (HSLb). HSLb is a more eco-friendly and more sustainable alternative compared to conventional cement options. HSLb cements produces 10% less CO2 in the manufacturing process compared to standard HS cements. Even with the environmental benefits, HSLb cement provides equivalent performance, strength, and durability of traditional HS cement.
The reduction in CO2 emissions attributed to PLC cement, takes place during the cement manufacturing process. Conventional HS cement typically contains up to 5% limestone, whereas HSLb contains 15% limestone. The increased level of limestone reduces the levels of clinker required in the cement. Clinker is the ingredient in cement which is associated with high levels of CO2 emissions due to the energy demand required for processing. As a result, switching to HSLb, Precon not only minimizes its impact to the environment but also contributes to a more sustainable and greener precast industry.
Concrete is the 2nd most common building material used worldwide; changes like these have major environmental benefits. Influencing others in the industry to do the same can greatly reduce CO2 emissions produced by the concrete industry. According to the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) switching to the use of PLC type cements has the potential to save Canada one megaton of CO2 emissions annually.
