As we’ve dived into the great green world of triple bottom line, those in-the-know have found the sweet spots where they “do well by doing good”.<\/p>\n
Today’s business spotlight is on Kingston Block and Masonry Supply, LLC, in Kingston, NY. This is a family owned business in an industry that is heavily traditional, and broad-brushed with the environmental taint of mining for Portland cement and aggregates. But times change and the truly innovative and realistic\u00a0look for opportunities, assess them, take steps, and grow the results. (see my previous blog on 9 Habits).<\/p>\n
It all started, according to Lou Grasso, managing partner of the company, with Bob Fox of COOKFOX Architects<\/a> mentioning that if masonry block could be made using some garbage, it would be wonderful. CMU, as a significant component by weight in some buildings, would make a huge difference with recycled content calculation and help win LEED points while diverting refuse from a landfill.<\/p>\n Little did Bob know the powerful seed of intent this comment would plant. Lou started looking into fly ash and other pozzolan<\/a> (see Wikipedia.org) additives. Fly ash is a waste product of coal combustion, from smelting and power plants, and using it in concrete reduces use of cement. Cement production emits approximately 2,000 pounds of co2 for each ton, making replacement with other, less emmissive products a good choice. Fly ash can increase the strength of concrete, yet it delays curing time, and most importantly it also contains crystalline silicates and heavy metals which are of concern, especially in any interior use. This is in debate, as many consider the toxins safely encapsulated, yet the debate exists.<\/p>\n Concerns about flyash: \u00a0Healthy Buildings Network and flyash<\/a><\/p>\n Positive future outlook for flyash:<\/p>\n The Future of Fly Ash Use in Concrete<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n