Uses Natural and Recycled Materials

Concrete is an environmentally friendly building product composed of both natural and recycled materials. Those recycled products include concrete aggregate, fly ash and iron oxide. During production of SRW units, waste concrete is produced. Most manufacturers crush this concrete into aggregate and reuse it, thereby reducing waste material destined for landfills. Fly ash, a waste material produced and then discarded by coal burning plants, is another component used in the manufacture of concrete SRW units. Recycling fly ash in this way keeps it out of landfills. SRW units also utilize synthetic iron oxide to color the units, which is made by burning recycled scrap steel at high temperatures. The natural and recycled materials utilized in the manufacturing process result in an environmentally conscious and efficient construction product.

Prevents Erosion.

Soil erosion is a serious environmental threat and a major contributor to the degradation of water quality. Wind, rain and runoff displace soil particles from bare or sparsely covered earth, potentially reducing the stability of the original site and impairing the performance of downstream drainage systems.

In many instances, SRWs are a cost-effective solution to eroding soil. Keystone walls are often used as part of conservation efforts along channels and waterways, near steep earthen slopes, and in other critical applications. By combining retaining wall units with soil reinforcement, the reinforced soil mass can support greater earth pressure and surcharge loads.

The result is a long-term, economical solution that minimizes or eliminates soil erosion.

Recyclable & Durable.

Made of concrete, SRW units offer a long-lasting retaining wall solution for both construction and landscaping projects. Concrete is a durable building material that surpasses the lifespan of retaining wall alternatives such as timbers or railroad ties. The durability of concrete can be defined as its ability to resist weathering action, chemical attack, and abrasion while maintaining its desired engineering properties. Concrete SRW units also avoid the use of toxic materials that are sometimes found in treated timber and other materials.

Promotes Vegetation.

Some Keystone products promote vegetation within the wall while also offering an aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly solution.

Keystone offers an innovative planting system that can produce a lush blanket of irrigated vegetation. The unique cavity of Keystone’s plantable unit is perfect for plants up to one gallon in size. This product also allows for placement of irrigation systems and provides the natural drainage that encourages plant root growth and allows the wall structure to spring to life.

With the ability to support rich plant life, Keystone plantable units bring degrees of depth and color previously unavailable in a structural wall product.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is based on points and evaluates the overall performance of a green building project by assessing each of the materials and systems used in combination.  The number of points earned determines the level of LEED certification the project receives (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).

Click here to download a chart that represents some possible LEED credits available with Keystone products. Actual credits granted will vary by project and/or product manufacturer