Researchers at CalPortland Company released a paper that highlights exposed concrete's role as a storehouse of atmospheric carbon. The study aimed to understand the effects of greenhouse gases associated with the built environment, focusing on CO2 uptake in concrete within the context of its overall Life Cycle Assessment. They found that concrete buildings, pavements and structures are silently absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to such a degree that the built environment represents one of the world’s largest storehouses of carbon. This paper, along with other recent findings, shows that carbonation in cement products represents a substantial carbon sink that is not currently considered in emissions calculations. As organizations and companies actively work on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a better understanding of the level of CO2 uptake by concrete can help develop better strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Click here to download the full paper.
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