Ramboll’s Post

I remember 10+ years ago, Adam R. Christensen, P.E. and I had a coffee chat about “what more can structural engineers do to support sustainability projects” - and while I know neither of us saw this future, here we are as an industry. Some facts about #concrete and it’s associated #embodiedcarbon to start your morning… + concrete is comprised of primary ingredients: sand, gravel, limestone, and water. + concrete is the second-highest consumed product on earth, after water. + in the United States, annual concrete production is roughly equivalent to 2 tons for every American. + every pound of concrete production results in nearly an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emissions 1 lb concrete = 0.93 lbs CO2. + the global concrete industry accounts for roughly 8% of the worlds’ TOTAL carbon emissions. + The carbon intensity of concrete is the result of two processes in its manufacture: 1. Making cement requires heating limestone to temperatures around 2550°F (1400°C), and while there are electric kilns that could run on renewable energy, this is only 40% of the greenhouse, gas emissions from the production process… 2. the other 60% is literally the carbon dioxide that is cooked out of the limestone as it is heated. So the majority of concrete massive carbon footprint is inherent to the chemistry of the manufacturing process. Summarized from “the other carbon” via Thomas "Tom" Lewis, PE, JD and Alastair MacGregor’s #FutureReady. #embodiedcarbon #carbonemissions #carbonfootprint #ESG #netzerocarbon #netzerotransition #concreteconstruction

Simple new process stores carbon dioxide in concrete without compromising strength https://lnkd.in/eF2xECB3

The construction industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for a staggering 37% share globally. This is a wake-up call for builders and industry stakeholders alike. The extensive use of steel and concrete bears significant responsibility: 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 - High emissions throughout mining, production, and transportation phases. 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 - Continued CO2 emissions even after use. 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - Manufacturing steel and concrete requires substantial energy inputs, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Without addressing the embodied carbon footprint of construction materials, claims of achieving net-zero fall short. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Embrace conscientious construction. Shift towards carbon-sequestering materials as alternatives to steel and concrete. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 emerges as the most promising solution: Absorbs CO2 throughout its lifespan. Renewable resource. Minimal embodied carbon footprint. At Riaz Capital, we lead with sustainable practices. Choosing wood frames over steel and concrete reduces our carbon footprint by 26.5% and accelerates construction timelines. Building a greener future, one project at a time. #realestate #urbanhousing #sustainability

Structural engineers "own" a lot of concrete. Listed below are some key facts we need consider when making that slab just a little thicker, or demoing and replacing concrete just to make it pretty. As the primary specifiers, we should think twice about how we can reduce quantity and improve quality of our concrete designs.

Interesting new CO2 storage potential in new concrete.

Low-carbon concrete has a lower CO² footprint than traditional #concrete, but the same strength and durability. See how ready-mixed producers and #construction contractors are using low-carbon concrete to reduce CO² emissions. Via SpecifyConcrete PA: https://hubs.li/Q02dFK170

Wood might not be an alternative to concrete: World Resource Institute study https://lnkd.in/dRD_dBPi #Masstimber as an alternative to concrete and steel may not be as climate-friendly as thought," warns new research. The World #Resources Institute's report highlights that using #wood in construction could increase #emissions for decades and necessitate extensive #deforestation. The study underscores the need for comprehensive #carbon accounting and urges a #focus on reducing land demands instead. #ClimateChange #ConstructionImpact