Innovative CO2-Derived Building Materials Set to Transform the Construction Industry
In a world grappling with the dual challenges of a burgeoning population and an ever-expanding construction sector, the race to mitigate climate damage intensifies. At the forefront of this battle lies an innovative solution: CO2-derived building materials.
According to the latest IDTechEx report, “Carbon Dioxide Utilization 2024-2044: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players,” the utilization of captured carbon dioxide to manufacture building materials holds immense promise. With concrete being the second most consumed material globally, its production, chiefly reliant on cement, contributes a staggering 7% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
However, hope emerges from an unexpected source – the utilization of CO2 itself. The report outlines various methodologies through which carbon dioxide can be transformed into valuable building materials, heralding a paradigm shift in sustainable construction practices.
Carbon dioxide finds application in concrete production through three primary avenues: during curing of precast concrete, mixing of ready-mixed concrete, and formation of carbonate aggregates/additives. Unlike energy-intensive processes such as conversion to e-fuels, CO2 utilization in concrete manufacturing is thermodynamically favored and less energy-intensive, resulting in stable metal carbonates that effectively sequester CO2.
In addition to mitigating CO2 emissions, solid waste streams find new purpose in CO2-derived concrete production. Companies like neustark and O.C.O Technology are pioneering the use of CO2 and waste materials to produce concrete aggregate, while Heidelberg Materials explores recycling concrete using CO2 as a cement substitute. Such initiatives not only contribute to sustainability but also generate revenue through waste disposal fees.
The widespread adoption of CO2-derived concrete hinges on technological advancements that seamlessly integrate with existing manufacturing processes. Innovative solutions like retrofittable curing chambers and plug-and-play mobile units pave the way for easier adoption across the industry.
Beyond Net-Zero:
The utilization of CO2 in concrete production can achieve net-zero or even net-negative emissions, depending on the carbon dioxide source. Collaborations between direct air capture (DAC) companies and concrete players, such as Heirloom and CarbonCure, demonstrate the feasibility of storing ambient air-captured CO2 in concrete, further enhancing its environmental credentials.
The Way Forward:
Despite the initial cost differential, revenue streams from waste disposal fees and carbon credit sales are poised to offset expenses. With regulatory support and increasing carbon pricing on the horizon, IDTechEx forecasts a significant uptick in CO2 utilization in building materials, reaching over 170 million tonnes by 2044.