| The nature of the main ingredients found in GFRC | | | | - Producing GFRC involves the use of less cement |
| is one reason why it is a desirable building material | | | | and less energy, which can help cut emissions. |
| from an ecological standpoint. GFRC is composed | | | | - Glass fiber reinforced concrete has a long life |
| of the abundant and naturally-occurring minerals | | | | span because it is so durable, which helps avoid |
| used to manufacture both cement and glass | | | | the need for replacement and reduces waste. |
| fibers. Since these materials are natural, they are | | | | - The light weight of GFRC reduces the structure |
| not normally regarded as pollutants. Glass fiber | | | | required to support it and so saves material. |
| reinforced concrete is an inert, mineral-based | | | | It is worth mentioning that independent studies |
| material that is highly stable. | | | | have also supported the notion that GFRC is |
| The benefits of GFRC are perhaps best illustrated | | | | ecologically friendly. The Government of the |
| by comparing it to traditional precast concrete. | | | | United Kingdom's DETR/Concrete Industry Alliance |
| While GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) is | | | | Partners in Technology project conducted a study |
| relatively thin and is strengthened with glass | | | | that compared GFRC and precast concrete |
| fibers, traditional precast is thick, heavy and is | | | | products that both performed the same function. |
| often reinforced with steel. | | | | Their results showed that Glass Fiber Reinforced |
| The comparatively light weight of Glass Fiber | | | | Concrete had a 60% lower environmental impact |
| Reinforced Concrete offers several environmental | | | | than traditional precast concrete. Clearly, GFRC is |
| and practical benefits. | | | | an environmentally-responsible choice when it |
| - Transportation costs are reduced along with the | | | | comes to construction materials, and it's likely its |
| pollution from transport. | | | | use will increase in the years to come. |