ABSTRACT
Abstract This paper presents a broad review of the image held and the impact concrete products have on the environment. A survey of specifier opinion highlights an image problem and an action plan is developed. The impact of manufacturing processes on the environment is examined in a positive way, searching for opportunity rather than taking a "need to comply" stance. Environmental compliance is shown not to be a threat and three areas where achievements have been made by CRH Group Companies are illustrated. Manufacturing waste is beneficially developed rather than working against the environment. Case studies are used to illustrate opportunity in waste concrete recycling and the innovative possibilities for external waste materials. The role of governmental bodies and the benefit to be derived from representation on Standards committees is stressed; the need to move toward performance based standards is highlighted. Concrete should be promoted to offer solutions to environmental issues and examples of products aiding the environment are described. Keywords: Concrete, environment, recycling, standards, waste utilisation 1 Introduction In Europe, environmental legislation is developed in Brussels for all EC Member States by the European Commission. It has, through a series of four Action Programmes spanning from 1973 to 1992, issued over 200 directives on environmental requirements. These directives are implemented by the Member States through their National legislations. A fifth Action Programme spanning from now to the year 2000 has been implemented.
