Case Study: The Go Green Home
Case Study Foundation and Structure
Fly ash is a byproduct of coal-fired plants that can be substituted for Portland cement in the manufacture of concrete; this diverts the fly ash from the landfills, reducing the waste stream. According to Headwaters Resources, for every ton of Portland cement manufactured approximately one ton of carbon dioxide is released. Replacing that ton of cement with fly ash saves enough electricity to power the average American home for 24 days, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions equal to two months’ use of an automobile. At The Go Green Home we're using high-fly ash concrete for the foundation footings and first floor slab at minimal extra cost over traditional cement, saving energy and landfill space. As part of our site stewardship we'll erect barriers to control soil erosion and drainage of the water used in concrete fabrication. And the lumber we use to set the concrete foundation and slab will be removed and recycled for another building project.
11) Foundation and Structure