I read an amazing article (the link is at the bottom of the page) today about a concrete block that contains optical fiber strands that actually let an amazing amount of light transmit through. The glass fibers, which make up 4% of the aggregate content, make a strong, durable product, which also has this amazing benefit of allowing light to pass through! Folks, we're talking transparent concrete!
Think of the benefits of using a transparent concrete! Imagine light passing through a solid, insulating, wall of a building, providing natural daylighting inside while providing all the benefits of concrete. Think of the new opportunities that could develop! Need to spend energy on lighting dark parking structures? Not with these transparent concrete blocks. Is your building plagued with energy inefficient windows? The total number might be able to be reduced with these transparent concrete blocks. Greater natural light entering a building means less electrical lighting, less energy use, less cost, less energy-related emissions. A win-win for everyone! While the sustainability of the block itself may be in question, the added benefits of the blocks on the building are not.
Stronger. Better insulating. Longer lasting. More reflective. And now, brighter. In a sense, you could say the benefits of using this product make it a more sustainable choice.
We know that concrete is the most dynamic, versatile building product on the planet. The many uses for concrete never cease to amaze me - but the new uses that are coming out regarding concrete properties are astounding.
What can be next on the horizon for concrete? Are there any limits? I don't know about you, but I'm excited to see what the future holds! What do you think of this product, and what the future holds for concrete?
The real question is what does the future hold for your company? Are you embracing sustainability? Are you thinking outside the box, looking for new ideas and concepts on how to improve your carbon footprint? Purchasing products that might not be sustainable themselves, but offer a reduction in your needs (water, electric, whatever!) can certainly help your operation meet its sustainable goals and objectives. It'll certainly help you if you're evaulating your sustainable supply chain.
If you're looking to take your organization into the right direction with sustainable practices, click here to contact us or give us a call at 609-693-8301 and lets talk.
For those that are interested, here's the article.