Concrete is a very common material used in backyard chicken coops. While concrete offers durability and strength, its use in chicken coop construction has several environmental consequences.
Here is a closer look at the various environmental impacts of using concrete in chicken coops.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Cement production accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions. Using concrete for chicken coops contributes to this.
- Producing just one cubic yard of concrete emits over 200 lbs of CO2. A typical 8 x 8 ft chicken coop foundation can use 2-4 cubic yards of concrete.
- This means a single backyard chicken coop can be responsible for 500-800 lbs of CO2 emissions just from the concrete alone.
Energy Consumption
- Concrete production requires immense amounts of energy for cement manufacturing and transportation.
The energy used to produce concrete for chicken coops depends on:
- Cement manufacturing process (wet vs dry)
- Transportation distance of cement
- Mixing methods used (machine vs hand)
A typical medium-sized chicken coop likely consumes 2000-3000 MJ of energy for concrete production.
- Most of this energy comes from fossil fuels, resulting in further emissions.
Water Usage
Concrete mix water usage:
- Cement production - 110 gal/ton
- Concrete mixing - 15-20 gal/cu yd
For a chicken coop using 2 cubic yards of concrete:
- Cement production water - 220 gallons
- Concrete mixing water - 30-40 gallons
- Total water usage = 250-260 gallons
This water demand stresses local water sources, especially in drought-prone areas.
Air Pollution
Major air pollutants from concrete chicken coop construction:
- Cement kiln emissions - particulates, NOx, SO2
- Vehicle emissions - particulates, VOCs, CO2
A typical chicken coop produces over 2000 lbs of CO2 emissions as well as significant particulate pollution.
Soil and Habitat Impacts
- A concrete chicken coop foundation requires excavation and soil disruption.
- The concrete footprint is a permanent loss of natural habitat area.
- A 100 sq ft chicken coop concrete foundation covers at least 400-500 sq ft of soil.
Heat Island Effects
- Dark colored concrete absorbs up to 70-80% of sunlight, converting it to heat.
- This can raise the local temperature around a chicken coop by a few degrees Fahrenheit.
- In turn, this can alter wildlife behaviors and ecosystems at a micro-level.
Resource Depletion
Key materials used in chicken coop concrete:
- Cement
- Sand/gravel - up to 2000 lbs for 2 cu yd pour
- Crushed rock
- Limestone
Concrete construction contributes to depletion of these finite resources.
Comparison to Alternatives
| Material | CO2 Emissions | Water Use | Energy | Heat Absorption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Very High | High | High | High |
| Brick | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Wood | Very Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Recycled Plastic | Low | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
- Wood framing has minimal environmental impact compared to concrete.
- Recycled plastic lumber is durable, with lower impacts than concrete.
- Bricks have reduced impact compared to concrete, but still significant.
Opportunities to Reduce Impact
- Use alternative materials like wood or recycled plastic where possible.
- Source concrete locally to reduce transportation emissions.
- Use higher percentage of fly ash or slag to reduce cement content.
- Avoid over-building foundation size and thickness.
- Reuse form boards and wood bracing materials when possible.
- Properly dispose of all concrete washout to avoid soil/water contamination.
Best Practices for Chicken Coop Concrete Construction
When using concrete for chicken coops, following best practices can help reduce the environmental impact. Proper planning, material selection, construction techniques, and maintenance are key factors.
Careful planning when designing a concrete chicken coop is crucial to minimize concrete use. Optimize the coop shape and layout to reduce the foundation size needed. Plans should also incorporate concrete thickness and reinforcement optimizations.
Consider using alternative materials like recycled plastic or responsibly sourced wood where possible. This avoids many impacts of concrete. Understand the pros and cons of concrete vs. other materials.
Use best practices when building with concrete, like avoiding over-vibration and proper curing. Design formwork for easy dismantling and reuse. Use local materials and efficient mixing methods. Control washout contamination.
Take steps like proper curing, control joints, and steel reinforcement to minimize cracking. Cracks allow moisture intrusion, reducing concrete's lifespan.
Applying waterproof coatings and adequate insulation enhances durability and prevents freeze-thaw damage.
Regular maintenance like sealing cracks, recoating waterproofing, and cleaning/repairing erosion helps preserve concrete coops long-term.
Following sustainable concrete practices can help reduce the environmental footprint of chicken coop construction. With careful planning and execution, concrete coops can be built responsibly.
In summary, while concrete is a very durable and strong material for chicken coop construction, it comes with a significant environmental footprint.
Reducing concrete use, exploring alternative materials, and adopting more efficient construction practices can help lower the environmental impact of chicken coop construction.