The manufacturing processes that create cement and concrete use an exorbitant amount of heat, thereby considered to be energy intensive. In addition, the processes release large amount of carbon dioxide from burning fuels and chemical reactions. Once it is in place, however, it emits a low level of air pollution.

But the building industry has developed alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Fly-ash concrete:

Fly ash in its simplest form is the waste material from coal burned in coal-burning power plants. It can account for 35 percent of the mixture found in traditional concrete mixes.

Fly-ash is a viable alternative that produces less greenhouse gases than traditional cement and can also reduce oil consumption. The replacement of one ton of cement with fly-ash saves the equivalent of one barrel of oil.

Fly-ash is indisputably the greener alternative to traditional cement mixtures, however, it is not usable in every instance. Discuss concrete alternates with a qualified building professional before making a final decision.