MAPEI’s Leadership in Sustainability: Pioneering a Greener Future in Construction

At MAPEI, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental principle that guides our operations and innovations. As a global leader in the chemical products for the construction industry, MAPEI is committed to developing products and solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote a sustainable future. Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our comprehensive approach to product development, resource management and community engagement.

Sustainability is often defined as the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. As we face the increasing threat of climate change, it is crucial to ensure that our development efforts today do not negatively impact future generations. This is particularly important in the built environment, where the concept of sustainability is continually expanding to meet new challenges and incorporate broader considerations.

MAPEI’s commitment to sustainability encompasses various aspects of the construction process. We help design, construct and operate buildings in ways that reduce health and environmental impacts. This holistic approach, established by the United Nations Brundtland Commission in 1987, has evolved to include resilience and durability. Resilience refers to a building’s ability to adapt after a shock, while durability encompasses the longevity and robustness of the building, its materials and its aesthetic functionality. A more durable building means a reduced environmental impact over its lifespan.

The role of concrete in sustainable construction

Concrete has been a fundamental construction material for thousands of years, known for its durability, versatility and strength. It remains the most widely used construction material in the world, playing a crucial role in creating sustainable buildings. Historic examples like the Colosseum and the Pantheon demonstrate concrete’s longevity and adaptability. Modern structures, such as the Ingalls Building in Cincinnati – the world’s first reinforced concrete high-rise – continue to showcase concrete’s enduring qualities.

The cement and concrete industry contributes $100 billion to the U.S. economy annually. The MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub projects that the United States will add 121 billion square feet (11 241 267 840 m²) of buildings by 2050, excluding expansions and rehabs of existing infrastructure. The Portland Cement Association estimates that U.S. cement consumption will reach 143 million metric tons by 2040. The construction industry is responsible for 50% of raw materials and 40% of total energy consumption, and generates 50% of all waste. Additionally, it accounts for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions.

The importance of repair and maintenance

Proactive protection, maintenance and repairs offer significant sustainable advantages over building new structures. Extending the life of existing buildings through careful repair reduces environmental impact. Neglecting durable and resilient structures often leads to deterioration, necessitating extensive repairs or even demolition and rebuilding. Repairing structures using MAPEI’s Concrete Restoration Systems (CRS) products can mitigate various issues, such as efflorescence, cracking, moisture penetration, delamination, scaling and corrosion reinforcement.

Sustainable repair and maintenance are vital for minimizing environmental impacts. For instance, addressing efflorescence involves cleaning and sealing with silane-based, water-repellent products like Planiseal WR and Planiseal WR 40, transparent sealers that provide resistance to water, dirt and chlorides. Cracking can be managed with epoxy injection resins such as Epojet and Epojet LV. Moisture penetration solutions depend on the source: The cement-based, waterproofing and surface-preparation coating Planiseal 88 is suitable for both positive and negative side applications, while the single-component, 100%-solids, cold-fluid-applied, structural waterproofing membrane Planiseal CR 1 is ideal for the positive side. Interior delaminated areas can be repaired using appropriate toppings like Ultratop, a self-leveling, self-curing, sealed or polished topping that is specially formulated for fast-track resurfacing of horizontal wear surfaces. For exterior areas, scaled areas can be resurfaced with Concrete Renew, a one-component, polymer-modified cementitious material. Corroded reinforcements require rebar repair, removal of chloride-contaminated concrete and the use of Mapefer 1K, a corrosion-inhibiting coating for reinforcing steel; Planibond 3C, a three-component, cementitious corrosion inhibitor and bonding agent; or Mapeshield I anode along with a suitable repair mortar.

Demolish and rebuild vs. repair

While repairs do have an environmental impact, they are far less significant than the “demolish and rebuild” approach, which is more material-intensive and generates more waste. Most environmental impacts occur during the manufacturing process, such as the energy-intensive mining and transportation of sand and gravel in addition to the carbon-intensive creation of cement. At the end of a building’s life, concrete can be recycled into new aggregate, absorbing CO₂ and furthering its sustainable qualities.

Proper planning and assessment are crucial for minimizing environmental impacts. Evaluating existing structures and performing sustainable repair assessments help to determine the best approach for repairs. Implementing a Repair and Maintenance Plan ensures long-term sustainability, with regular inspections and timely repairs extending the lifespan of concrete structures and reducing the need for extensive repairs.

Using advanced materials and innovative techniques is key to sustainable concrete repair. Incorporating recycled materials like fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag and recycled aggregates into repair mixes reduces the demand for virgin materials and lowers the carbon footprint. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), for instance, offer superior durability and reduced maintenance needs compared to traditional steel reinforcements, promoting sustainability by minimizing the frequency of repairs.

MAPEI’s commitment to sustainability

MAPEI is proud to support the Center of Excellence for Preservation and Service Life Extension (P+Ex), which aims to preserve and extend the service life of concrete structures. One of our colleagues in Italy was recently appointed a founding board member of P+Ex. This initiative, developed through collaboration between major industry organizations, provides a clear vision and actionable steps to ensure a sustainable built environment.

By embracing sustainable repair and maintenance practices, the construction industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact and enhance the longevity of infrastructure. This approach not only supports the environment but also benefits communities by providing resilient and durable buildings. At MAPEI, we are committed to leading the way in sustainable construction, ensuring that our buildings and infrastructure can withstand current and future challenges. For more information on MAPEI’s sustainability initiatives and products, visit https://www.mapei.com/us/en-us/about-us/sustainability/sustainability/zero.