CONCRETE CARBONATION

The most widely used material on earth is concrete, just ask China where they utilize more than 40% of it. Burning Fossil fuels to make concrete, is responsible for 5% of global CO2 emissions. Ironically, concrete itself, absorbs CO2. It is also the inspiration for a new process of concrete carbonation from Carbon Sense Solutions, in Canada. The method allows for precast concrete to store large amounts of CO2. Storage of up to 60 tons of CO2 in 1,000 tons of precast concrete. The method also uses CO2 to speed up the making of concrete, the presence of CO2 actually cures the concrete. It is thought that speeding up the curing process, and the additional storage of CO2 will reduce Global emissions 1% per year. As an added bonus, the end product is more durable, and more resistant to shrinking and cracking. However, this technology remains unproven. But wouldn't it be nice to avoid 20% of all cement-industry carbon dioxide emissions? There is a pilot plant underway in Nova Scotia this summer, with plans to produce preliminary results by the end of the year. www.inhabitat.com, www.technologyreview.com