Unlocking Cement Efficiency and Carbon Removal in Precast/Prestressed Production-CarbonCure May Webinar Handout

CarbonCure May Webinar Handout

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the sustainability and carbon footprint of concrete production, particularly in the precast/prestressed industry. It highlights that concrete is the most abundant building material globally but also one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions and embodied carbon in the built environment.<br /><br />The document explains the low carbon and energy footprint of concrete and its advantages as a low-cost, locally-produced, resilient, recyclable, and versatile material. It acknowledges the stakeholders across the value chain who have a vested interest in carbon reduction, including cement producers, concrete producers, structural engineers, construction companies, and governments.<br /><br />The document delves into the concept of circular CO2 utilization in concrete production, which involves incorporating CO2 into various aspects of the concrete mix, such as binders, aggregates, mix water, and admixtures. Examples of CO2 utilization in precast concrete production are provided, showcasing its ability to produce concrete with the same strength while using less cement.<br /><br />Durability testing has shown that the CO2 injection process has a neutral to positive effect on concrete durability, and it does not impact fresh or hardened properties of the concrete.<br /><br />The document highlights the increasing demand for low carbon buildings and the opportunity for precast/prestressed producers to attract green building projects, reduce costs through cement reduction, generate carbon removal credits, and make a significant impact on carbon footprint reduction.<br /><br />It concludes by discussing the deployment and success of CO2 utilization systems in concrete production and offers suggestions for reducing concrete's carbon impact, including communicating commitment to carbon reduction, designing for specific strengths, using low-carbon cementitious materials, reconsidering concrete specifications, and specifying or approving CO2 mineralized concrete.

Keywords

sustainability

carbon footprint

concrete production

low carbon

recyclable material

versatile material

carbon reduction

cement producers

green building projects

carbon impact reduction