Capturing Carbon Dioxide within Concrete - An Appropriate Answer for Climate Change?
The construction industry has a unique opportunity to combat climate change by adopting carbon-storing materials in building materials like concrete, bio-based plastics, and asphalt. These materials, when scaled, have the potential to significantly reduce emissions associated with traditional materials.
Concrete, the most widely used building material, has significant potential for carbon sequestration through the use of carbonated aggregates. Sustainably sourced wood retains carbon absorbed during the tree's growth, providing a natural reservoir when used in construction. Even bio-based plastics, derived from biomass, can store CO2 during production, offering a green alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Asphalt innovations include CO2 in road materials, contributing to carbon sequestration.
However, scaling these solutions requires significant investment and overcoming industry inertia and higher initial costs. Pushing for increased investment in carbon sequestration technologies can accelerate the transformation of the construction industry towards carbon neutrality. Encouraging the use of sustainable materials in local developments can promote sustainable industries and a greener future.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that utilizing carbon-storing materials is crucial for meeting the 1.5°C climate goal by actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Advocating for policies promoting the use of sustainable materials can support the transition towards a low-carbon construction industry.
Key organizations and companies leading development and deployment of carbon storage materials include international research teams like the University of Bayreuth for sustainable polymers, Fraunhofer Institutes (e.g., Fraunhofer IAP) working on bioplastics from renewable resources, and companies like COMPO GmbH innovating in biogenic materials and recycling-based composites. Pilot projects by firms like Kaldewei demonstrate circular economy approaches in construction materials, while government strategies (e.g., Kanton Zürich) focus on carbon capture and storage linked to biomass usage to enhance long-term carbon sequestration in construction contexts.
Opting for sustainable materials in personal projects can contribute to reducing emissions in the construction industry. Educating others about the benefits of using carbon-storing materials in construction can foster their adoption. Ensuring the long-term stability of stored carbon has technical hurdles, but these are challenges that can be overcome with continued research and development.
Together, these actions can transform the construction industry from a carbon emitter into a solution for climate change. Encouraging the use of sustainable materials in construction can help create a greener future and foster sustainable industries.
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