Cement Substitutes

Producing cement uses a great deal of energy, so finding a waste product that can substitute for cement makes good environmental sense. According to Environmental Building News (EBN), as much greenhouse gas is created producing the portland cement used in the U.S. as operating 22 million compact cars. Coal fly ash, blast furnace slag and other mineral admixtures can substitute for cement in concrete mixes for buildings, saving energy, disposing of a waste product, improving the quality of the concrete, and reducing cost. Cement substitutes should be distinguished from concrete additives, such as plasticizers and air entrainment agents; and from aggregate substitutes, such as ground glass or ground scrap rubber.