Buildings and structures manufactured with concrete can have a significant impact on the environment throughout their life cycles. How much of an impact, will depend on the sustainability of the concrete mix used in construction—and the makeup of the mix used will depend on the requirements or specifications put in place before a project begins.

In order to create truly sustainable buildings made from environmentally friendly concrete, design professionals, contractors and material suppliers must work together while still complying with the requirements put in place.

To understand how specifications for a concrete project requirement can impact sustainability, you first need to understand the two types of requirements most frequently imposed.

As the population grows, adding buildings to accommodate more people moving to cities is a necessary step. Buildings are responsible for approximately 39% of the annual global greenhouse emissions. Building operations alone results in 28% of the annual global CO₂ emissions. So, building materials that are designed to meet new regulations and environmental standards will be key in creating a sustainable future.

The Romans may have mastered the use of concrete over 2,000 years ago (just take a look at the Pantheon in Rome), but that doesn’t mean it’s the same time of material it was back then. Concrete has always combined an aggregate with a hydraulic binder to form a strong and durable substance, but concrete has come a long way over the past 2,000 years. Today, the industry is still evolving and innovating.

Concrete Design Options

We think Ready Mix Concrete Trucks are the coolest! Our member companies use their trucks to not only sport their company colors but to also highlight and support local causes. The Michigan Concrete Association wants to highlight our producer members by showing off some of their coolest, most beautiful, and uniquely painted trucks. We will also share the stories behind the metal on social media and on our blog! Feel free to share your Ready Mix Truck Photos in the comments!
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So you’ve decided to replace your driveway or parking lot with strong, durable, long-lasting, concrete pavement. Good call. Now what do you do? The first step is to get in touch with concrete contractors that can get you quotes on the replacement. But who should you call if you don’t know of any concrete contractors?

Your first call should be to a local, ready-mix concrete supplier or two. Ask them who their two or so best contractor customers are to work on your type of project (small or large driveway, decorative concrete, parking area, etc.). Then contact those names to see if they can give you an estimate or quote for the job. Some might simply give you a square foot price range over the phone, and others will want to visit the site to give you a more accurate estimate. The more accurate the estimate, the more likely it is that the final cost will be close to it.

Many factors go into the choice between concrete and asphalt for your driveway or parking lot project. Concrete, when correctly installed and maintained, is a long-term solution that can increase the overall value of your property. While it may be more costly upfront, it can last over twice as long as an asphalt surface with significantly less maintenance and deterioration.

The Michigan Concrete Association (MCA) was formed in 2009 as the result of a merger between the Michigan Concrete Paving Association and the Michigan Concrete Association. Its mission is to increase the use of concrete in Michigan and to further the interests of Michigan's ready-mix and concrete paving industries. Today, the merged association includes over 200 members and offers a number of certifications to its members.

Concrete Safe Salt

Once your new concrete parking lot or driveway has been properly placed, finished, cured and sealed, you’re done, right? Not quite.

If you’re in a northerly climate, you have to deal with snow and ice accumulation and you might be left wondering the best way to clear them off of your concrete parking lot. If you want to get the most out of your concrete, it's not as simple as throwing some salt down. Take a look at the dos and don'ts of concrete salt and winter care. 

Maintaining Your COncrete Parking Lot

When a concrete parking lot is a few years old, it might start to show its age. When that happens, it may be time to start maintaining that asset.

Here are a few ways you can work to maintain your concrete parking lot in order to keep it in the best shape possible.