Implementation of a Low Carbon Approach for Hydraulic Concretes

For the past two years, the CIH has been working on the integration of eco-design principles into its projects with one clear objective, to “Work on our materials and projects to reduce their environmental footprint and preserve natural resources”. This article illustrates how an engineering center of a large company operating in the energy sector (specifically in hydropower) can understand, organize, and develop a low carbon strategy. The focus of this article will be on concrete. We will recall the specificities of concrete used in hydraulic constructions compared to the one used in other, more common structures. We will detail the life cycle analyses carried out on our recent construction projects and highlight the reduction of impact which can be expected from concrete. Next, we will summarize our roadmap to reduce the impacts of concrete in the hydraulic sector. Lastly, we will develop the practical actions implemented on an ongoing project.