Sustainable Building

Lime as a Green Build Material

Here’s How St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) Plays An Important Role In Construction As A Green Build Material.

St. Astier is a 100% natural product and does not contain any additives. It is one of the greenest materials used in construction. This is due to its purity, its calcium carbonate composition, its longevity and potential for allowing the materials to be reused or recycled, and the result of a low energy production process.

The amount of energy used at the production stage is a fraction of what is needed to produce cement. Consequently, the release of CO2 into the atmosphere is reduced considerably. Furthermore, contrary to cement, NHL reabsorbs most of the CO2 during the curing process, while cement reabsorbs none.

NHL has received the LABELVERT EXCELL, or “Green Label”, in France. This label guarantees the total absence of contaminants and any risk of pollution. It also authorizes the use of this product in chemically sensitive areas such as living spaces, wine cellars, etc. Other attributes listed below, prove over and over NHL outperforms modern day Portland cement.

  • The absence of detrimental chemicals like tri-calcium aluminate, potassium and sodium oxides (which are ever-present in cement), protect NHL mortars from chemical reactions such as sulfate or alkali attacks.
  • Very rapid evaporation of moisture from NHL mortars ensures that the drying cycle is faster than cement mortars and subsequently the healing requirements are lower.
    Material used in construction with NHL may be reused or recycled. In addition, the NHL mortar itself may be recycled in a number of ways, such as an aggregate for new lime mortars, fertilizer (NHL is calcium carbonate), or it can be used for water purification to adjust pH levels.
  • Breathability, elasticity, plasticity, gradual development of strength, low shrinkage, longevity, CO2 absorption, self-healing through the presence of free (or available) lime in crystalline bridging to close minor fissures, are all highly desirable. These traits, with sustainability and “greenness”, are only some of the qualities of St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime.
  • The change-of-use of older buildings through adaptation or preservation and restoration maximizes the need for the environmental recovery of materials. It is essential to ensure the long term survival of these structures with compatible materials. Some buildings have been in use for centuries; there is no logical reason that this cannot continue. Preservation, adaptation and restoration can have significant environmental advantages over new construction. Aside from the environmental impact, there is the aesthetic value in preservation. Natural Hydraulic Limes have a significant part to play in the process.
  • Material longevity is unsurpassed when applied and maintained correctly and its life will span over several generations. The manufacturer’s warranty subsequently extends for 50 years.

CO2 Emissions Chart

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