Abstract:
In Europe, construction including heating & coaling of buildings amounts for 40
% of total CO2 emission and hence presents by far the largest source of CO2
release. Globally, a similar situation exists. The paper presents current steps in
the construction industry to dramatically reduce its CO2 footprint which include:
1) Migrate to low or zero carbon binders by replacing Portland cement clinker
with calcined clay, slag etc. Currently, cement manufacture accounts for ~ 8
% of total global CO2 emission, just behind coal, oil and gas.
2) Capture CO2 released in cement plants and utilize for concrete hardening
or dispose on CCS wells.
3) Identify CO2 stable new cements which can be used on CCS wells
4) Make highly effective thermal insulation materials mandatory on buildings.
5) Introduce concepts for mega cities to avoid unnecessary heat-up by having
plants on facades, roofs, etc. to provide a sun shelter and absorb CO2.
6) Switch from heating using fossil fuel to “green” energy including solar,
geothermal and wind energy.
7) Discourage the use of wood in construction, as we need more trees as a
natural sink for CO2.
These measures require a complete reset of our current construction processes
and will result in a huge transformation of this industry.
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