Fly Ash from Coal Power Plants and its Application - a Step Towards Green Building

Abstract

The utilization of fly ash, a byproduct from thermal power plants, in construction materials such as concrete, mortar, bricks, asphalt mixes, and binders for stabilization offers significant environmental and economic benefits. This comprehensive technical review delineates the historical background, current applications, and future potential of fly ash in reducing the construction industry's carbon footprint, particularly in Serbia. It outlines the successful integration of fly ash in various construction scenarios, emphasizing its role in enhancing material properties while contributing to sustainability by repurposing industrial waste. The document further explores the environmental advantages of fly ash use, highlighting its impact on lowering the carbon emissions associated with traditional cement and aggregate production. Through a detailed comparison of carbon footprints, the text argues for the adoption of fly ash in construction practices as a pathway towards achieving a carbon-neutral future. The discussion on the variable CO₂ footprint of fly ash, influenced by production methods, underlines the importance of optimizing these processes to fully leverage its environmental benefits. This review underscores the need for the construction industry to embrace fly ash as a key component in materials, aiming for both performance improvement and sustainability, aligning with global efforts towards a CO₂-neutral environment.