Investigation of Approaches to Reduce the Environmental Impacts of Ready-Mixed Concrete Production Plants

Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials today. The continued growth of the construction sector has driven the growth of the ready-mixed concrete industry. Türkiye is among the world leaders in ready-mixed concrete production. However, ready-mixed concrete production plants have significant environmental impacts, and if the necessary measures are not taken to mitigate these impacts, serious damage to the environment and ecosystem is inevitable. The aim of this study is to analyze the environmental impacts of the ready-mixed concrete production process, determine the level of implementation of current practices aimed at reducing these impacts, and offer sustainability recommendations for the sector. In this context, the environmental impacts of the ready-mixed concrete production process were examined, covering the stages from raw material supply to production and transportation. Approaches to reducing environmental impacts were examined within the framework of national environmental legislation and sectoral guidelines provided by organizations such as the Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Association (THBB) and the European Ready Mixed Concrete Organization (ERMCO). As part of the study, data were collected through surveys and field observations from selected ready-mixed concrete production plants on the Anatolian side of Istanbul and in Kocaeli. The level of implementation of each approach to reducing environmental impacts was assessed. The findings revealed that the level of implementation of environmental management practices varied across the surveyed plants, indicating that further improvements are needed to enhance the environmental sustainability of ready-mixed concrete production.