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0 By the time you finish reading this sentence, do you know how many bathtubs of concrete have been poured?
That’s right—concrete is produced on a massive scale and it’s one of the largest contributors to environmental deterioration. If concrete were a country, it would rank third in carbon dioxide emissions, contributing a staggering 2.8 billion tonnes per year.
The question is: is there a better alternative to achieve sustainable construction?
Yes, at least when it comes to foundations, ground screws offer an exceptional, eco-friendly option. Let’s do a ground screws vs concrete comparison:
Ground Screws Vs Concrete – The Showdown
Ground screws are the way forward for green construction. Here’s why:
Mitigates Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Ground screws save construction teams from laborious and resource-intensive excavation, leading to significant GHG emissions savings.
- Concrete contains cement, which alone is responsible for 8% of global CO₂ emissions per year. Throw other construction factors into the mix and we are looking at numerous additional emissions that stack up quickly.
- Ground screws require relatively less transportation due to reduced usage of resources as compared to concrete, which leads to lower transportation emissions.
- Ground screws use less construction machinery, resulting in lower emissions.
- In comparison to concrete foundations, ground screws are reusable, as you can pull them out and use them again, reducing the need for new materials in future builds and minimising landfill waste.
Minimises Ground Disturbance
Construction activities, specifically excavation, negatively impacts the physico-chemical properties in and around site soils. Research has shown that it might reduce the organic matter in the soil by 257.4 to 879.8%, leading to soil degradation and long-term fertility loss.
On the flip side, ground screws don’t require excavation, preserving the soil’s natural structure and organic content.
Reduces Disruption to Wildlife Habitats
From birds to worms, the ground is home to many creatures. During construction, attention is generally focused on maintaining habitats above ground, while subterranean species are often forgotten. Unfortunately for them, restoration is more difficult than it is for surface-dwelling creatures.
Since ground screws eliminate the need for excavation and cause minimal disruption to the ground, they can play a crucial role in ensuring that not only are above-ground habitats protected, but subterranean species also have their homes intact.
Given their minimal impact on the ground, comparatively lower resource requirements and faster installation time, in ground screws vs concrete, it’s safe to conclude that ground screws outperform concrete foundations in terms of installation ease and environmental considerations, leading to green and sustainable construction.
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