Title: Environmental assessment of the cement and concrete life cycle in Greece

Authors: Christopher J. Koroneos, Aris Th. Dompros

Addresses: Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 483, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 483, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: The basic targets of the modern cement and concrete production industry are the reduction of energy costs and minimisation of environmental effects. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a useful tool for the evaluation of the environmental performance of a production system. The objective of this work is to provide a very clear analysis and quantification of all the parameters of the process that make a major contribution to environmental impact. The system investigated includes raw material acquisition, industrial production, packaging and transportation, use of the product, demolition and its final disposal. The cement production stage contributes the most to the environmental pollution.

Keywords: cement; concrete; life cycle assessment; LCA; sustainable production; Greece; environmental performance; sustainability; environmental impact; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2009.021579

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.10 No.1, pp.71 - 88

Published online: 30 Nov 2008 *

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