Articles tagged with "sustainable-construction"
Scientists develop algae-based concrete that captures 142% more carbon
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an innovative algae-based concrete that significantly reduces environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity. By incorporating diatomaceous earth—powder made from fossilized silica shells of microscopic algae—into a 3D-printed concrete mix, the team created a lightweight material that uses 68% less cement and absorbs 142% more CO₂ compared to traditional concrete. This breakthrough leverages the natural carbon-trapping abilities of diatoms and a mathematically optimized internal geometry inspired by coral reefs and sea stars, known as triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), which maximize surface area and stiffness with minimal material. The new concrete not only captures more carbon dioxide but also grows stronger over time during curing, retaining 90% of the strength of conventional solid concrete blocks despite its high porosity. The design incorporates post-tensioning cables and advanced force-balancing geometries to ensure durability and buildability at architectural scales. The researchers are currently scaling up the technology for larger applications such
materialsconcretecarbon-capturesustainable-construction3D-printingdiatomaceous-earthcarbon-dioxide-absorptionTerra CO2 cements $124M Series B to slash concrete’s carbon footprint
Terra CO2, a Golden, Colorado-based startup, has secured $124.5 million in a Series B funding round to advance its low-carbon cement alternative aimed at reducing the environmental impact of concrete production. Cement manufacturing, particularly Portland cement, is responsible for about 8% of global carbon emissions due to the chemical processes and fossil fuel use involved. Terra CO2’s approach involves producing supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) by melting silicate-containing rocks into glassy powders that mimic the properties of traditional cement but with significantly lower emissions. The new funding, co-led by prominent investors including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Al Gore’s Just Climate, will support the construction of a large-scale facility near Dallas capable of producing 240,000 tons of SCM annually. Currently, Terra CO2’s SCM can replace up to 40% of Portland cement in concrete mixtures, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70% compared to conventional cement. The company is also developing a next-generation product intended
energymaterialslow-carbon-cementsustainable-constructioncarbon-footprint-reductionsupplementary-cementitious-materialsclimate-technologyPoll: Two-thirds of Canadians favour developing clean energy over fossil fuels, while 85% wish to maintain or increase federal climate action - Clean Energy Canada
A recent survey by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada reveals strong Canadian support for prioritizing clean energy development over fossil fuels. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents favor investing in clean energy projects such as critical minerals, renewable power, and energy storage, compared to 33% who prefer conventional fossil fuel projects like oil, gas, and LNG. While both sectors are seen as important to Canada’s economy over the next decade, clean energy holds a slight edge, especially among those who view one sector as "very important." This reflects a broad consensus that clean energy will play a crucial role in the country’s future. Support for federal climate action remains robust amid ongoing climate challenges, with 85% of Canadians wanting the government to maintain or increase efforts to combat climate change. Only 14% believe the government should reduce its climate initiatives. This support spans regions and political affiliations, including 72% in Alberta and 70% of Conservative supporters. Younger Canadians (ages 18-29) are particularly
clean-energyrenewable-powerenergy-storageclimate-actionsustainable-constructionlow-carbon-materialselectric-vehicle-chargingBuilding clean does not need to break the bank - Clean Energy Canada
The article from Clean Energy Canada emphasizes that addressing Canada’s housing shortage and climate goals can be achieved simultaneously without significant cost increases. While much attention is given to reducing emissions from heating and powering homes, the emissions embedded in construction materials like concrete, steel, drywall, and insulation are often overlooked. These materials contribute substantial industrial emissions, with a single home’s construction potentially locking in emissions equivalent to decades of car travel. Given the scale of housing needed by 2030, ignoring these emissions could undermine national climate targets. Fortunately, cleaner, low-emission alternatives for key construction materials are already available at little to no additional cost. A report by Clean Energy Canada highlights that options such as low-emission drywall and insulation can reduce emissions by up to 98% without price premiums, and cleaner steel and concrete alternatives often come at negligible extra cost. Even when slight cost increases occur, they are minimal relative to overall project budgets. Prioritizing these materials supports Canadian producers, who benefit from a cleaner electricity grid and innovation, and aligns with government strategies like the “Buy Clean” approach, which mandates emissions reductions in publicly funded projects. Additionally, more efficient building designs that reduce material use can cut emissions by up to 40%, offering further savings in cost and carbon footprint. The article concludes that building affordable, climate-friendly housing with Canadian materials is both feasible and economically sensible.
energyclean-energylow-emissions-materialssustainable-constructiongreen-buildingclimate-goalsCanadian-materialsLow-grade clay turned into powerful cement for green construction
materialscementsustainable-constructionenvironmental-impactclayconcreteengineeringPhotos: Saudi Arabia's new museum is made from mud, adapting to desert
materialssustainable-constructionenergy-efficiencycultural-heritagemud-brick-architecturedesert-climatetraditional-building-techniquesPrime minister’s mandate letter creates clear opportunities for building a cleaner, more affordable Canada - Clean Energy Canada
clean-energyelectric-vehiclessustainable-constructioncarbon-pricingenergy-efficiencyrenewable-resourcesclean-technology