Capturing Carbon Dioxide in Concrete: A Potential Answer to Climate Issues?
The construction industry, traditionally a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is poised for a transformation. By encouraging the use of carbon-storing materials in local developments, we can help reduce emissions, promote a greener future, and meet the 1.5°C climate goal.
Concrete, the most widely used building material, can be carbonated during production to enhance carbon storage. Similarly, advances in asphalt innovations include CO2 in road materials. Sustainably sourced wood, which retains carbon absorbed during the tree's growth, is another valuable resource when used in construction.
Bio-based plastics, derived from biomass, can store CO2 during production. Companies and institutions making significant progress in this area include various research projects under the "Sustainable Renewable Resources" program. They are developing bio-based plastics like polylactic acid for flooring materials, emphasising sustainability and recyclability.
Advances in sustainable chemistry at institutions are also worth noting. They are developing light-activated recyclable polymers for specialized applications and 3D printing, indicating innovative approaches towards circular economy solutions for plastics. In Switzerland, the Canton of Zurich is incorporating wood as a carbon storage resource combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in thermal plants to achieve long-term CO2 storage and negative emissions.
Up-Cell GmbH, a company based in Switzerland, contributes indirectly by creating sustainable energy storage from reused lithium-ion batteries, supporting resource conservation and emissions reduction. This aligns with broader sustainable material usage goals.
Scaling these solutions requires significant investment and overcomes industry inertia and higher initial costs. Encouraging the use of carbon-storing materials in local developments can help ensure the long-term stability of stored carbon, despite technical hurdles.
Advocating for policies promoting low-carbon materials can support the transition of the construction industry towards carbon sequestration. By doing so, we can promote an economy that reuses resources and reduces waste, and promote green industries and jobs.
Opting for sustainable materials in personal projects can be a step towards transforming the construction industry from a carbon emitter into a solution for climate change. Educating others about the benefits of carbon-storing materials in construction can foster their adoption.
Pushing for increased investment in technologies that make carbon sequestration feasible on a global scale is crucial for transforming the construction industry. Together, we can turn the construction sector into a carbon sink, actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
