Low-Carbon Concrete

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Advanced Concrete is a leading producer of low-carbon concrete in the Madison, WI area. We supply ready-mix concrete designed to reduce embodied carbon while maintaining the strength, durability, and performance required for projects across Southern Wisconsin.

Concrete’s primary source of embodied carbon comes from portland cement production. Manufacturing cement releases carbon dioxide both from fuel combustion and from the calcination process, where limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated and chemically converted into clinker. Globally, cement production accounts for approximately 7–8% of total CO₂ emissions.

Low-carbon concrete reduces this impact by lowering the cement content of the mix and optimizing the cementitious system. Because cement is the most carbon-intensive ingredient, reducing its proportion can significantly decrease the total CO₂ emissions per cubic yard of concrete.

Embodied carbon in concrete is typically measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent (kg CO₂e) per cubic yard. Traditional ready-mix concrete can vary widely depending on strength and cement content, but cement alone can contribute the majority of total emissions in a mix.

By reducing cement content through optimized mix design strategies, carbon reductions of 10–40% are often achievable depending on application, strength requirements, and material availability. These reductions are calculated using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and industry-recognized lifecycle assessment methods.

Foundations, slabs, parking structures, and structural frames often represent a significant portion of a building’s embodied carbon. Because concrete is used in large volumes, even moderate reductions in carbon intensity per cubic yard can meaningfully lower the total footprint of a project.

• Reduced embodied carbon in structural and flatwork applications
• Lower lifecycle emissions through improved durability
• Alignment with performance-based and sustainability specifications
• Support for owner-driven environmental and carbon reduction goals

In addition to lowering initial embodied carbon, well-designed low-carbon mixes can improve long-term durability by reducing permeability and enhancing resistance to certain environmental exposures. Longer service life further reduces total lifecycle environmental impact.

Concrete placed in Wisconsin must withstand freeze-thaw cycles, deicing salts, and seasonal temperature variation. Our low-carbon mix designs balance carbon reduction with the durability demands specific to the Madison area and Southern Wisconsin.

We work with contractors, engineers, and project owners to provide practical, performance-focused solutions that meet structural requirements while supporting measurable carbon reduction objectives.