Structural Lightweight Aggregates'
            Holistic Contribution to Sustainable Development
            
     Our Commitment to Sustainable Development
      The Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute, ESCSI, and its member companies are committed to the long-
      term performance of our products and the sustainable development of the building industry.
      Innovative, practical and responsible designs, combined with realistic construction practices, will contribute to 
      the establishment of a vibrant, sustainable society.  The use of lightweight aggregate will contribute significantly
      to sustainable development and promote the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

      Structural lightweight aggregate SLA has been successfully used for well over two millennia.  It has had 
      widespread use for the past eighty years.  This track record of proven performance has demonstrated how
      structural lightweight aggregate contributes to sustainable development by conserving energy, lowering 
      transportation requirements, maximizing structural efficiency and increasing structural concrete, concrete
      masonry, and asphalt chipseal service life.  The use of lightweight aggregate in site development assists designers
      in addressing the important issue of storm water management with on site treatment.  SLA can help to reduce
      heat island effects by amending soil to improve landscaping and promoting the use of "green roofs".
     
       Structural Lightweight Aggregates Holistic Contribution to Sustainable Development
        ( #7700 June 2004)

        A Holistic Approach to Sustainability For the Concrete Community
        ( J.P. Ries and T.A. Holm ) #7700.1  April 2004

      The Holistic Picture
     Rotary kiln produced structural lightweight aggregate is an environmentally friendly product that saves
      material, labor and transportation cost, as well as improves the functionality and service life of concrete and
      asphalt products.
     Additionally, using lightweight aggregate will lower the overall energy consumption of structures thereby
     reducing the associated life cycle costs throughout the structure's useful life.  These benefits support sustainable
     development and contribute to projects becoming LEED certified.

    When viewed from an overall perspective, the utilization of SLA is a small but important step forward.  The
     lightweight aggregate industry acknowledges that for the successful achievement of truly sustainable
    developments, a fundamental shift in attitudes, belief systems and conscious behavior must take place. 
    Considering the fact that architecture building performance accounts for a major part of total U.S. energy
    consumption, initial cost should no longer be the sole determining criteria when evaluating the usefulness of a
    product or structure.  All construction materials must be evaluated from a total life cycle assessment.  This is the
    only way to determine the total impact of a product or structure.  To develop a sustainable world we must shift
    from our current short-term ways and attitudes, to a long-term, holistic mind-set that recognizes
    performance and the interdependence of all life.

    What is Rotary Kiln Produced Structural Lightweight Aggregate?
     SLA is a ceramic material produced by expanding and vitrifying select shale's, clays, and slates in a rotary kiln. 
     Structural Lightweight Aggregate SLC is also referred to as Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate ESCS.
     Lightweight Aggregate LWA.  The process produces a high quality ceramic aggregate that is structurally
     strong, physically stable, durable, environmentally inert, light in weight, and highly insulative.  It is a
     non-toxic, absorptive aggregate that is dimensionally stable and will not degrade over time.
    
     Life Cycle Cost Performance
    The long term value of any building material is predicated on a combination of cost, durability, functionality,
     and aesthetics. Life cycle costing is the only way to evaluate the performance and long-term sustainability of a
     material or building project.  Any increased up-front cost of components manufactured with SLA is more than
     offset by the cost savings in the following areas: labor, lower dead loads, better fire resistance resulting in
     reduced concrete thickness, less reinforcing required in building frames, girders, piers, and footings.  Long-term
     heating and cooling costs will be reduced due to the higher insulating properties and overall superior thermal
     performance of the building.

     Energy Performance
    The embodied energy to make SLA includes mining, manufacturing, and transporting the material to the jobsite
    or building product manufacturer.  The cost of this embodied energy is often paid back in a very short period of
    time, because of the increased thermal performance and lower transportation and labor cost associated with the
    building elements.  Life cycle energy savings realized from using SLA will help conserve valuable natural
    resources for future generations.


   


        

       Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute, ESCSI
       2225 Murray Holladay Road • Suite 102 • Salt Lake City, UT 84117
       801.272.7070 • Fax 801.272.3377 •  email: info@escsi.org