Permeability is the measure of ease by which water, air and other substances such as chloride, sulfate and other deleterious ions enter concrete through pores in the cement paste fraction. SCMs' smaller particle sizes and chemical activities greatly reduce permeability. Chemical processes such as the corrosion of embedded steel, sulfate attack, and alkali-silica reaction are  greatly reduced, preventing the premature deterioration of concrete structures.

Color. The surface color of hardened concrete may be enriched by SCMs.  Surface color and texture of cementitious building materials help the designer control glare and reduce or improve heat absorption of surfaces. Some silica fumes may give concrete a slightly bluish or dark gray tint and fly ash may impart a tan color when used in large quantities. Slag cement can make concrete lighter and pigmented concretes brighter in color. It may impart an initial bluish or greenish undertone that disappears over time as the concrete surface oxidizes. The designer's control of color can impact sustainable design initiatives.

Life cycle assessments. A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for the systematic evaluation of the environmental impacts of a product or system through its lifespan. "Life cycle" refers to the analysis of raw material production, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal including all intervening transportation steps. This analysis extends from the extraction and processing of raw materials through to manufacture, delivery, and use, and finally on to waste management. The goal of LCA is to compare the environmental and economic performance of products and services, to select the most sustainable system.

Cradle-to-cradle is another way of thinking about life cycles. "If the grave of one cycle can be the cradle of its own or another's, the life cycle is called cradle-to-cradle," says Julie Buffenbarger, LEED AP, engineering and architectural specialist, Lafarge, Cement Division. "Such is the case with concrete when the end of its life finally arrives; it is recyclable and can be turned into new concrete by crushing it into aggregate."