ARCON first to use EPD software to verify ready-mix concrete in Dubai
ARCON now able to “substantiate” end-to-end life cycle programmes for construction materials
Al Naboodah Construction Group’s ready-mix producer ARCON (Al Naboodah Ready-mix Concrete) says it is the first concrete producer in Dubai to utilise Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) software.
EPD is an independently-verified document according to ISO 14040/44 and ISO 14025 standards to communicate environmental performance of a building product, and is also used for green building certification.
ARCON describes the implementation of the fully internal facility as a major milestone and enables it to substantiate end-to-end life cycle programmes for construction materials, “thus providing a basis of information for sustainability and environmental impact.”
The company is using German sustainability software and consulting company Thinkstep’s Gabi EPD solution to provide the analysis for their ready-mix concrete. Benefits of the EPD will be the ability to assess the environmental performance of ready-mix concrete with in-depth Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), provide a basis for sustainability certification, and create Life Cycle Data Sets which will be posted on recognised LCA databases worldwide. The LCA covers the full life cycle of raw materials until end-of-life finished concrete product, says ARCON. It added benefit that the software will enhance internal and external environmental communication with” all connected stakeholders to meet the growing demand for transparent and comparable information on the environmental impacts of construction materials.”
“Being the first concrete supplier in Dubai to implement this state-of-the-art software demonstrates the commitment of Al Naboodah Construction Group to being at the forefront of sustainable development in the region,” commented David Evans, CEO, Al Naboodah Construction Group “The software allows us to fully adhere to the latest green building requirements from the Expo 2020 Dubai project and the Dubai Municipality, and allows us to improve our ready-mix processes and mix designs to reduce our environmental impact.”
