Executive Summary:
Knox City Council has recently adopted the use of environmental concrete, an innovative alternative to traditional concrete. Composed of 90% repurposed waste materials, this sustainable solution supports the community by reducing reliance on virgin resources and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Sourced and produced locally, it incorporates aggregate and sand derived from Knox's drainage cleaning waste. The concrete has been trialed within the municipality for footpaths, kerb and channel, and shared pathways. Performance tests reveal its characteristics are comparable to conventional concrete, with similar setting times, durability, and projected lifespan, demonstrating its potential as a long-lasting and eco-friendly construction material.
Nomination Overview:
Knox City Council’s Environmental Concrete trial has showcased a commitment to sustainability through prioritising circular economy principles. The project’s core objectives were to reduce waste, particularly waste generated within the municipality, by repurposing it into high-quality concrete and therefore limiting reliance on new materials. This initiative aligns with the Council’s broader goals of diverting from landfill, minimising emissions as well as promoting a localised circular economy.
After trialing the product within a variety of civil infrastructure, the environmental concrete has been successfully implemented within footpaths, kerb and channel, seat pads, and shared paths across the municipality. It has been found as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional concrete with comparable structural characteristics. Contractors have reported a positive user experience, noting that environmental concrete offers similar workability and ease of use, supporting its broader adoption.
Despite the trial’s success, the project encountered several challenges. Supply was initially constrained due to the supplier’s limited truck capacity and long turnaround times were initially present. Additionally, price disparities and contractor hesitancy to adopt the new product were flagged as challenges.
To address these challenges, Knox City Council collaborated with local suppliers to ensure consistent material availability and encouraged transportation upgrades to improve supply. Open communication and active engagement with contractors also helped facilitate the smooth adoption of the product.
The use of Environmental Concrete offers significant benefits to the community. Through repurposing locally generated liquid waste and diverting it from landfill as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative transforms waste into a valuable piece of infrastructure, positively impacting the environment. Knox City Council has shown that sustainable innovation is both feasible and practical, delivering economic, environmental, and social advantages for the community, demonstrating its potential as a long-lasting and eco-friendly construction material.