In this discussion, concrete materials expert Zach Grasley highlights the main reasons why the cradle-to-gate production of concrete is the second largest producer of CO2 of any industry. In addition, both short-term and long-term ideas for minimizing CO2 production associated with concrete are identified. Finally, current tools for end-users to evaluate the potential CO2 impacts of various concrete mixtures and producers is discussed.
Zach is currently Director of the Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR) at Texas A&M University, as well as Professor and Zachry Chair for Construction Integration in the Zachry Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Professor in Materials Science & Engineering. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Concrete Institute, and the American Ceramic Society.
Zach’ bio:
engineering.tamu.edu/civil/profiles/grasley-zachary.html
Relevant links:
The OpenAir Collective www.theopenaircollective.org/
Texas A&M Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR)
rellis.tamus.edu/research-and-technology/facilities/cir/
American Concrete Institute - www.concrete.org/
American Society of Ceramics - ceramics.org/
OSL Concrete Inc. - oslconcrete.com/
Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) -
www.buildingtransparency.org/en/
Carbon Cure CO2 Dosing - www.carboncure.com/
Concrete Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Information - www.nrmca.org/sustainability/EPDProgram/