Is The Future of Concrete A Low-Carbon Reality?
Follow the Green Brick Road: A New Era for the Construction Industry
Concrete is a ubiquitous material in the world of construction, and for good reason. It's strong, durable, and versatile, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of building projects. However, as with any material, there are also downsides to using concrete. One of the most significant of these downsides is its role as an emitter of carbon dioxide.
Concrete is made by combining cement, sand, and water. Cement, in particular, is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, it's estimated that the production of cement is responsible for around 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This is because the process of making cement requires a significant amount of energy, which is typically generated by burning fossil fuels. But it's not just the production of cement that's a problem. Once concrete is made, it also continues to emit carbon dioxide over its lifetime. This is because the process of curing concrete, which involves the chemical reaction between cement and water, releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Bio-Concrete?
As the world becomes more focused on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, it's clear that the industry will need to be disrupted. As consumers and policymakers alike demand more sustainable construction practices, the cement industry will need to adapt and evolve to meet these needs. Ultimately, this disruption presents an exciting opportunity for the market to come up with better alternatives and solutions that are not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective and practical for construction projects of all sizes.
Recently this year, Prometheus Materials, a Colorado-based developer of a micro-algae binder alternative to Portland cement, has recently announced that its technology has proven effective in concrete masonry units (Portland Cement is the most common type of cement used in construction worldwide). The company successfully tested specimen blocks to ASTM C129-22 and C90 performance requirements, two foundational certifications that are crucial to the development and deployment of construction materials.
Low-Carbon Concrete
One of the most exciting features of Prometheus Materials' micro-algae binder alternative is its low-carbon qualities. According to the company, the micro-algae used in the binder absorbs enough carbon during its growth to make the blocks 90 percent less carbon-intensive than traditional concrete. This represents a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change.
Moreover, there is potential for further reductions in carbon emissions as the technology continues to evolve. By making improvements in the manufacturing process and exploring the use of different aggregates, Prometheus Materials' bricks could potentially lock away even more climate-warming gases inside the walls and foundations of future buildings. This would not only reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry but also contribute to a more sustainable built environment overall. With further research and development, Prometheus Materials' micro-algae binder alternative has the potential to be a game-changer for the industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.
The Cost Hurdle
However, while the prospect of a low-carbon alternative to Portland cement is an exciting development for the construction industry, there remains a significant hurdle to be overcome: Cost. The industry is notoriously slow to adopt new techniques and materials, and builders use so much concrete each year that even a small price increase could put novel materials out of reach for many companies.
Prometheus Materials' micro-algae binder alternative represents an innovative solution to this challenge, but the company has yet to share details about the cost and performance of its materials. According to reports, the blocks made with Prometheus Materials' technology will be more expensive than traditional concrete, but the exact price won't be clear until the company starts making more blocks. If the cost is prohibitive, the product may struggle to gain traction in the industry. Despite the cost challenge, the innovation represents a significant achievement for the team at Prometheus Materials, which was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from a lab at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Moving forward, the company will need to focus on developing a cost-effective product that can be deployed at scale. This will require further research and development, as well as partnerships with industry stakeholders to help bring the product to market. If Prometheus Materials can successfully navigate these challenges, its micro-algae binder alternative could represent a major step towards achieving a sustainable and environmentally-friendly built environment.