Report back 

This National Symposium on Concrete for a Sustainable Environment brought together experts and practitioners from a broad spectrum of the built environment, including academics, consultants, contractors and material suppliers. It provided a forum for the exchange of information on the latest research, innovations in concrete application, environmental, social and economic effects. 

In his opening address, John Sheath, Chairman of the CSE Organising Committee and National President of the Concrete Society referred to the challenges that faced the building sector, including the misconception of the costs involved in green design and construction and the lack of appropriate policy and legislation.

"The concrete industry", he stated, "is heavily involved in meeting the new 'green' challenges and the Concrete Society considered it very appropriate to organise this symposium". In his welcome, he specifically mentioned Prof Peter Talyor, from Iowa State University, USA, who had travelled to South Africa specially to present a keynote addess to the symposium.

The symposium, which hosted more than 100 delegates, covered the whole spectrum of 'green' issues - from cradle to grave (aggregate to recycling concrete) and generated a lot of interesting and lively question sessions.

 Six keynote speakers presented leading papers in each of the sessions, and were supported by a further 16 papers centred around the sub-themes of the symposium, which were: Durability; Recycling; Carbon footprint of concrete; Life cycle costing; Efficient use of materials and New technologies.

 A special feature of the symposium was the PPC-sponsored-dinner held on the first night (Tuesday) which featured comedian Barry Hilton. A small exhibition featured concurrently with the technical proceedings and became the hub of the networking that has become traditional at this type of event.

The Concrete Society is very grateful to the sponsors of the symposium for their generous contributions and support. Click here for details of these organisations.

With thanks also to the Organising Committee comprising - Francois Bain, Hanlie Turner, Natasja Pols and Jeanine Steenkamp