A team of Japanese researchers has discovered that Japan’s concrete structures—including buildings and infrastructure—absorb and store about 14% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated during cement production.
A team of Japanese researchers has discovered that Japan’s concrete structures—including buildings and infrastructure—absorb and store about 14% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated during cement production.
This research provides vital knowledge to offset CO2 emissions from cement production, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions at approximately 8%. The study was published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
With the growing urgency of climate change, scientists are focusing not only on reducing CO2 emissions but also on effective methods of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 to mitigate global warming.
Concrete naturally absorbs CO2 throughout its lifetime through a process called carbonation, also known as CO2 uptake. While this process can contribute to the corrosion of reinforcing steel bars in concrete structures, it also enables concrete structures to function as carbon sinks.
Read more at Nagoya University
Image: The concrete of this building has been absorbing CO2 for a long time and is now being demolished while retaining the gas. (Credit: Hiroki Tanikawa)
