Sustainability Assessment of Concrete with Alternative Binders using Life Cycle Tools: Extended Study on GGBS-Based Concrete

The manufacture of Ordinary Portland cement is widely recognised as a significant source of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring need for alternative binder systems that reduce environmental burdens without compromising structural performance. This study extends prior sustainability assessments of blended concretes through a detailed experimental and life-cycle-based evaluation of “Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag” as a substitute to cement. The research aims to develop and optimise GGBS-based concrete mixes with different replacement levels of OPC to determine the mix proportion that achieves enhanced mechanical and environmental performance. Experimental investigations include mix design formulation, specimen preparation, and compressive strength testing across curing periods. The mechanical results will be integrated with a ‘cradle-to-gate’ Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to determine embodied carbon (kg CO₂/m³) and embodied energy (MJ/m³) using Microsoft Excel and open-access LCA databases. Through this framework, the study seeks to establish correlations between material composition, mechanical performance, and life-cycle impacts. The findings are expected to provide evidence demonstrating that GGBS substitution mitigates the embodied carbon and energy intensity of concrete production. This work contributes to research related to ‘low-carbon’ construction materials and supports global sustainability goals.