Sustainable Cement for Greener Foundations

Today's civil and geotechnical engineers play an important role in helping to achieve sustainable infrastructure. To address environmental sustainability and climate change caused by green- house gas (GHG) emissions, all engi- neers must adjust their traditional approach to materials, design and construction practices to include a focus on minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The considerable influence that geotechnical engineers have on projects provides an important oppor- tunity to affect positive change. The carbon footprint of the construction methods and materials used for foun- dations can be as much as 8-9% of a new building's total carbon footprint, and geotechnical engineers have an op- portunity to evaluate alternatives based not only on cost, but also the long-term environmental impacts. Growing environmental considerations and societal concerns are influencing the selection of construction materials and methods, including cement and concrete's role and significance for infrastructure applications today and in the future.