A recent study published in ‘Applied Sciences’ sheds light on a promising approach to reducing carbon emissions in the cement industry, which is responsible for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions. Conducted by Catarina Brazão Farinha from the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering in Lisbon, Portugal, the research focuses on the life cycle carbon assessment of mortars produced with carbonated and non-carbonated recycled aggregates.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat global warming, the cement industry faces increasing pressure to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study addresses this challenge by exploring how recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) can be utilized to produce more sustainable mortars.
The research highlights that mortars made with carbonated recycled aggregates can significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to those without recycled materials. Specifically, the study found that using 100% non-carbonated recycled aggregates can reduce emissions by up to 6.31%, while carbonated recycled aggregates can achieve reductions as high as 36.75%. This substantial decrease in emissions presents a compelling opportunity for the construction sector to adopt more sustainable practices.
Farinha’s work emphasizes the dual benefits of using recycled aggregates: not only do they help mitigate the environmental impact associated with the extraction of natural resources, but they also enhance the performance of the mortars. “Even though the recycled aggregates are submitted to treatment processes and additional trips, the mortars with them present a considerable reduction in GWP compared to mortars without recycled aggregates,” Farinha explains.
The findings of this research could have significant commercial implications. As construction companies and manufacturers seek to comply with stricter environmental regulations and meet consumer demand for sustainable building materials, the adoption of carbonated recycled aggregates could become a key differentiator in the market. This shift not only aligns with sustainability goals but can also lead to cost savings in material sourcing and waste management.
Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of carbon capture and utilization technologies in the construction industry. By integrating these technologies with recycled aggregates, companies can further enhance the sustainability of their products and contribute to the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As the construction industry increasingly embraces circular economy principles, the insights from Farinha’s research could pave the way for innovative approaches that not only reduce environmental impacts but also promote economic efficiency. The findings encourage stakeholders across the sector to consider the potential of recycled materials, particularly those subjected to forced carbonation, as a viable solution for achieving a more sustainable future in construction.
