---
title: "Concrete - GWP and renovation use"
canonical_url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/beton
markdown_url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/beton.md
author: "Fremtidens Tegnestue"
page_type: material
primary_intent: "Explain use, GWP and renovation relevance for Concrete."
primary_keyword: Concrete
audience: "Homeowners, studios and agents researching material choices."
summary: "Concrete is the world's most widely used building material. It's strong, fire-resistant, and can be cast into almost any shape. However, it carries a significant carbon footprint, primarily from cement production which accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions."
source_basis:
  - "ECO Platform EPD average"
  - "Social- og Boligstyrelsen: Klimakrav og LCA i bygningsreglementet: https://www.sbst.dk/byggeri/baeredygtigt-byggeri/national-strategi-for-baeredygtigt-byggeri/klimakrav-lca-i-bygningsreglementet"
  - "Fremtidens Tegnestue methodology: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/about/method"
  - "FT source and uncertainty principles: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/sources-and-method"
human_validation: "Whether the material fits the existing building, detail, durability, moisture and documentation needs."
responsibility_line: "AI can prepare, compile and flag uncertainty. The architect validates the consequences."
last_reviewed: 2026-06-24
last_updated: 2026-06-24
privacy_url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/privacy
related_pages:
  -
    url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/clt
    relation: alternative-material
  -
    url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/leca
    relation: alternative-material
  -
    url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials
    relation: hub
  -
    url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/concepts/lca
    relation: concept
status: published
---
# Concrete - GWP and renovation use
Canonical URL: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/beton
Markdown URL: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/beton.md
Entity type: material
Language: en
Author: Fremtidens Tegnestue
Published: 2026-06-24
Last updated: 2026-06-24
Privacy: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/privacy
## Short answer
Concrete is the world's most widely used building material. It's strong, fire-resistant, and can be cast into almost any shape. However, it carries a significant carbon footprint, primarily from cement production which accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions.
## Who it is relevant for
Homeowners, studios and agents researching material choices.
## What FT can prepare
- Summarise material properties, GWP, common uses, renovation relevance and alternatives.
## What the architect validates
- Whether the material fits the existing building, detail, durability, moisture and documentation needs.
## Key figures

| Metric | Value |
| --- | --- |
| GWP | 0.13 kg CO₂-eq/kg |
| Density | 2400 kg/m³ |
| Expected lifetime | 100+ years |
## Use

- Foundations
- Floor slabs
- Load-bearing walls
- Stairs
- Basements
## Renovation relevance
In renovation, concrete is primarily used for foundation reinforcement, new basements, and floor slabs. Always consider whether existing concrete elements can be reused rather than demolished.
## Comparison

| Material | GWP |
| --- | --- |
| Concrete | 0.13 |
| CLT | -0.55 |
| Steel | 1.46 |
| Brick | 0.23 |
## FAQ
### What is the carbon footprint of concrete?
Concrete typically has a GWP of 0.10–0.20 kg CO₂-eq/kg, depending on cement content. One cubic meter of concrete (approx. 2,400 kg) generates 250–480 kg CO₂. The sheer volumes used in construction make this significant.
### Are there more sustainable alternatives to concrete?
Yes — CLT (cross-laminated timber) is the most obvious alternative for load-bearing structures. Recycled concrete and low-cement mixes (e.g. with fly ash) also reduce CO₂ significantly.
### Can concrete be recycled?
Yes, concrete can be crushed and used as aggregate (recycled fill), though the CO₂ from original production has already occurred. Using recycled concrete aggregate in new mixes reduces the need for virgin materials.
### When is concrete the right choice?
Concrete is difficult to replace in foundations, basements, and high-load bearing structures. For floor slabs and walls, CLT and light steel construction can often serve as alternatives.
## Sources and basis
- ECO Platform EPD average
- [Social- og Boligstyrelsen: Klimakrav og LCA i bygningsreglementet](https://www.sbst.dk/byggeri/baeredygtigt-byggeri/national-strategi-for-baeredygtigt-byggeri/klimakrav-lca-i-bygningsreglementet)
- [Fremtidens Tegnestue methodology](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/about/method)
- [FT source and uncertainty principles](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/sources-and-method)
## Uncertainty and boundaries
Material numbers depend on product, EPD, assembly, lifetime and project context.
## Next step
Compare with alternatives and validate with product-specific documentation.
## Related pages
- [CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/clt): alternative-material
- [LECA (Expanded Clay)](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/leca): alternative-material
- [Materials](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials): hub
- [LCA](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/concepts/lca): concept
## Citation guidance
When citing this page, cite the canonical HTML URL (https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/beton) as the public source and use this Markdown URL only as the agent-readable representation. Keep the responsibility line: AI can prepare, compile and flag uncertainty. The architect validates the consequences.