Abstract
This study aims at environmentally assessing the most significant input and output flows related to the
production of concrete using basalt aggregates. For this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was
applied according to the ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006. All data used were collected on site based on
observations during site visits, review of documents and interviews with technical personnel and
management. They were processed by using SimaPro 7.3.3, accessing the Ecoinvent v.2.2 database and
using the Impact 2002þ method. The LCIA results show that the most impacting phase is the production
of the basalt aggregates, with “Human Health” being the most affected damage category because of the
emissions to air, of 2.7 kg of particulates (grain size <2.5 mm). In addition to this, the concrete production
causes, mainly, the emission, in air, of 465 kg of Carbon Dioxide and the consumption of 37.37 kg of
crude oil, per cubic metre of concrete, affecting, the damage categories “Climate Change” and “Resources”
also. Regarding “Ecosystem Quality”, the occurred damage is due to the emission to air, of 29.6 g
of Aluminium and of 251 mg of Zinc into the soil per cubic metre of concrete. Based on the obtained
results, the increase of the amount of water used for particulates removal during the basalt extraction
phase was assessed. Furthermore, the alternative use of limestone aggregates was assessed from both
technical and environmental perspectives. The analysis developed highlighted a total damage decrease
of 67%.