Carbon-Negative Concretes

Engineers working out Washington State University have developed a high-tech, eco-friendly concrete that is designed to be able to absorb more carbon than it emits.

This eco-friendly concrete was created by augmenting conventional cement with biochar, a form of concrete that is sourced from organic waste materials. The inclusion of biochar was shown to be able to result in the increased absorption of carbon dioxide without compromising on the strength and robustness for which cement is prized.

This carbon-negative concrete doesn't merely represent a scientific triumph, but offers significant promise in terms of commercialization and industry applications, with the team of scientists currently working towards licensing their technology with willing partners from the construction and building sectors. In the long run, this eco-friendly concrete could go a long way towards making the concrete manufacturing industry more sustainable.

Image Credit: Washington State University