ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the evaluation of the environmental footprint of seven mortar formulations, representative of traditional and modern admixtures used in mortar recipes. The kinetics of hardening of air lime containing mortars, known as carbonation, is based on the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ambient air. The presence of water vapour is required in order to enable the reaction between the CO2 and the lime (calcium hydroxide). The use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to study construction materials and their use in buildings has increased to support architects in the selection of the most suitable material for performance and esthetics. The formulas chosen are based on volumetric ratios of cement, hydrated lime, sand and additives using the environmental impact methodology defined within the LCA standard series 14040-14044.
