Home / Environment / Concrete's Carbon Challenge: Australia Seeks Net Zero
Concrete's Carbon Challenge: Australia Seeks Net Zero
15 Jan
Summary
- Concrete production causes 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Australia's SmartCrete CRC receives $21 million for green concrete research.
- Innovations include capturing CO2 into construction materials.
Concrete, essential for global infrastructure, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Australia is actively pursuing decarbonization solutions through the SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which has secured $21 million in federal funding. This investment supports research into sustainable alternatives and processes for the concrete industry.
SmartCrete CRC collaborates with 56 partners, including universities and industry leaders, to drive innovation. Current research streams focus on transforming industrial CO2 emissions into usable carbon powders and supplementary cementitious materials for concrete. This approach offers a triple win by capturing carbon, storing it in buildings, and reducing cement dependency.
Despite progress, the industry faces adoption barriers. SmartCrete CRC is investigating these market enablers and hopes to release findings later in the year. Applications for its research collaborations fund close on September 9, 2024, encouraging industry-led projects aimed at a net-zero concrete future.
