Carbon Footprint of Precast Concrete : A Case Study of a Precast Concrete Factory in Chonburi Province

Abstract

This research aims to analyze and propose strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste generated from ready-mixed concrete production at a precast concrete factory in Chonburi Province. The study investigates the causes and volume of waste and compares the environmental impact between using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Hydraulic Cement (HC). Data were collected through production process analysis and interviews with factory managers. The study calculated the carbon footprint of each cement type and analyzed waste generation sources. Results showed that using OPC resulted in a total carbon footprint of 100,618.50 tCO₂e/year, while HC emitted only 63,488.29 tCO₂e/year, accounting for 61.31% and 38.69%, respectively. Waste analysis from four main sources revealed a direct correlation with production volume, with the highest waste volume caused by residual concrete in mixing drums, averaging 22.87 m³ per quarter. Over the year, this accounted for 91.46 m³ or approximately 36.9% of total waste (247.72 m³). The study recommends switching from OPC to HC, using alternative materials such as fly ash and blast furnace slag, recycling waste concrete as aggregate, and incorporating clean energy in the production process to mitigate environmental impacts.