Cement is the largest obstacle to achieving climate goals in construction. Every ton of cement produced releases 660 kilograms of CO2 into the atmosphere. However, alternative solutions are gradually entering the market.
In the case of versatile concrete, the primary source of CO2 emissions is the clinker content in cement. Cement clinker, a burnt clay-lime mixture responsible for cement hardening, should not be confused with the clinker bricks used to clad houses. Builders and renovators now have the option to use materials such as oil shale or blast furnace slag to replace cement clinker. According to Holm Breitkopf from BHW Bausparkasse, using low-clinker eco-concrete can reduce CO2 emissions by 30 to 50 percent. Additionally, prestressed concrete prefabricated slabs offer time and cost benefits by being quicker to complete and lighter weight. This reduces concrete consumption by up to 50 percent and CO2 emissions by 25 percent compared to traditional solid concrete surfaces.
Research is exploring other innovative ideas that future builders and renovators can leverage. These include carbon concrete with carbon fibers, “green concrete” incorporating purified fly ash, and bio-concrete using plant fibers. A notable project in Dresden since 2022 is “The Cube,” the world’s first building made from carbon concrete, where carbon mats or rods replace conventional steel parts. These constructions are four times lighter and possess up to six times greater tensile strength. According to Breitkopf, “Carbon has the potential to make residential construction more energy-efficient in the foreseeable future. The fibers can also be easily recycled.” Climate-friendly concrete was also used in the construction of a new ICE plant in Cottbus, where high-performance ultrasound technology ensures the material solidifies faster, saving up to 30 percent CO2 and energy.
The trend towards innovative building techniques is also evident in the growing use of 3D printing. In 2023, Germany’s first single-family home created using a 3D printer was completed in Beckum, Westphalia, in just 100 hours. This cement-free, pressure-formed concrete reduces emissions by approximately 70 percent compared to conventional concrete…LEARN MORE
