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A low-angle shot of cranes against a blue sky. Carbon Capture in Construction.

News Carbon Capture in Construction

17 October 2024 Holly Eckersley

Carbon Capture in Construction: A Step Toward Sustainable Building

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, responsible for nearly 39% of energy-related CO₂ emissions. As the world moves toward reducing carbon footprints and achieving net-zero targets, the industry faces increasing pressure to adopt innovative solutions. Carbon capture is one such solution, involving the process of trapping and storing carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. In construction, carbon capture focuses on reducing the emissions generated by materials and processes, offering a pathway to more sustainable building practices.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has been used in industries such as power generation and oil refining for years. In general, CCS involves capturing CO₂ from industrial processes, transporting it to storage sites, and then storing it in geological formations deep underground. This prevents the CO₂ from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. In the construction industry, carbon capture can be applied to materials like cement, which are responsible for a significant portion of the industry’s carbon emissions.

An image of iron rods. Carbon Capture in Construction.

Key Sources of Carbon Emissions in Construction

Cement and concrete are among the largest sources of carbon emissions in construction. Cement, a key ingredient in concrete, is produced through a process called calcination. During this process, limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated to produce lime (calcium oxide) and CO₂. The chemical reaction itself releases carbon dioxide, while the energy required to heat the limestone adds to the emissions. Since cement is used in large quantities around the world, its contribution to global CO₂ levels is substantial, accounting for about 8% of global emissions.

Steel production is another significant source of carbon emissions. The process of making steel, particularly in blast furnaces, relies heavily on fossil fuels, releasing large amounts of CO₂. The demand for steel in construction, particularly for high-rise buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, makes this a critical area for emission reductions.

Beyond materials, construction projects also contribute to emissions through transportation and machinery. The movement of raw materials to construction sites and the use of energy-intensive machinery further add to the overall carbon footprint of the industry.

Carbon Capture Technologies in Construction

Several emerging technologies aim to reduce the carbon emissions associated with construction materials and processes. Researchers are exploring the development of carbon-negative concrete, which has the ability to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere over time. This would make the material not just carbon neutral but carbon negative, helping to remove CO₂ from the environment. One example of this is CarbonCure, a technology that injects captured CO₂ into concrete during mixing. This reduces the amount of cement needed and strengthens the concrete, offering a dual benefit of lowering emissions and improving material performance.

Another area of innovation is CO₂ utilisation in construction materials. Instead of simply storing captured CO₂, some technologies focus on incorporating it into the construction process. For example, CO₂ can be used to create synthetic aggregates or can be added during the curing process of concrete blocks, where it becomes permanently embedded in the material. These processes offer a way to use carbon emissions as a resource rather than treating them as waste.

Direct air capture (DAC) is another method under exploration for construction. This involves extracting CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, which can then be integrated into building materials. While DAC is still in the experimental stage for construction applications, its potential to remove atmospheric CO₂ and incorporate it into buildings could play a significant role in future decarbonisation efforts.

Benefits and Challenges of Carbon Capture in Construction

Carbon capture technology in construction offers several benefits. First, it can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the industry, making it easier to meet global climate targets. By capturing and storing or repurposing CO₂, the construction sector can lower emissions from key materials like cement and steel, which are notoriously difficult to decarbonise. Additionally, carbon capture can lead to the development of new, sustainable building materials, such as carbon-negative concrete, which can actively reduce CO₂ levels over time.

Companies that adopt carbon capture technologies also stand to gain reputational benefits. With growing public demand for sustainable practices, companies that prioritise reducing their environmental impact can enhance their green credentials. By demonstrating a commitment to carbon reduction, these companies can appeal to environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners.

However, there are also significant challenges to the widespread adoption of carbon capture in construction. One of the main obstacles is cost. Carbon capture technology is expensive, particularly at the scale needed to make a significant impact in the construction industry. The infrastructure required to capture, transport, and store CO₂ can be prohibitively costly, making it difficult for smaller companies to adopt.

Another challenge is the energy requirement for carbon capture processes. Capturing CO₂, whether from industrial processes or directly from the air, requires energy, and if this energy comes from fossil fuels, it can offset some of the emissions reductions. For carbon capture to be truly effective, it must be powered by renewable energy sources, which can add complexity and cost to the process.

Finally, carbon capture technologies are still relatively new in the construction sector, and their availability is limited. Widespread adoption will require continued investment in research and development, as well as supportive policies from governments to incentivise the use of carbon capture systems.

The Future of Carbon Capture in Construction

The future of carbon capture in construction is promising, as the industry increasingly recognises the need to reduce its carbon footprint. As more companies and governments commit to achieving net-zero emissions, demand for carbon capture technologies is expected to grow. Innovations such as carbon-negative concrete, CO₂ utilisation in building materials, and direct air capture are likely to play a key role in the industry’s efforts to decarbonise.

However, carbon capture alone cannot solve the construction sector’s emissions problem. It must be part of a broader strategy that includes energy efficiency improvements, the use of renewable energy, and the adoption of sustainable building practices. Modular construction, for example, can reduce waste and energy consumption, while the use of recycled materials can lower the demand for energy-intensive resources like steel and cement.

Time-Lapse in Construction and Sustainability

Time-lapse photography has become an essential tool for documenting construction projects. It provides a visual record of the entire building process, helping companies monitor progress, identify potential issues, and share updates with stakeholders.

Time-lapse photography allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in a transparent way. By showing how carbon capture technologies, renewable energy systems, or waste reduction practices are being implemented during construction, companies can visually showcase their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. This can be a powerful tool for engaging with the public, investors, and clients, who are increasingly looking for businesses with strong green credentials.

Additionally, time-lapse photography allows our client’s to monitor their construction site projects from afar. For projects that involve the integration of carbon capture technologies or other sustainability initiatives, time-lapse footage provides a clear way to assess whether these technologies are being deployed effectively and whether environmental targets are being met. This level of oversight can be particularly valuable for ensuring that sustainability goals are adhered to throughout the construction process.

Time-lapse photography is also an effective communication tool for companies prioritising sustainability. The visual nature of time-lapse videos makes it easier for the public and stakeholders to understand complex processes like carbon capture or the installation of renewable energy systems. By sharing time-lapse footage, companies can engage with their audience in a way that is both informative and visually compelling.

As the construction industry continues to evolve toward more sustainable practices, the combination of carbon capture technologies and the transparency offered by time-lapse systems will be essential. Together, these tools will help companies reduce their carbon footprint, meet global climate targets, and communicate their green credentials to a wider audience.

A low-angle shot of cranes against a blue sky. Carbon Capture in Construction.

At Time-Lapse Systems we work for a vast range of clients who prioritise sustainability and try to be mindful of the environment during the construction of their projects. A range of our clients, who include Balfour Beatty, Lodha, Mace and the Berkeley Group, are committed to sustainable practices and maintaining high environmental standards. Many of them are involved in construction projects that have achieved excellent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ratings. BREEAM is a widely recognised measure of a building’s environmental performance, assessing factors such as energy efficiency, water usage, and materials sourcing. Their adherence to high BREEAM standards demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing carbon footprints, improving energy efficiency, and promoting environmental stewardship in the construction sector.

Our time-lapse photography helps our clients to track progress, ensure compliance with sustainability goals, and provide transparent reporting. Monitoring the project visually can aid in identifying areas where resources can be optimised, minimising environmental impact.

Our clients are often at the forefront of implementing eco-friendly designs, green technologies, and responsible building practices. Our time-lapse photography not only supports these goals by providing valuable insights but also reflects the broader shift in the industry toward more sustainable, responsible construction practices.

If you would like to learn more about the services we offer, please get in touch.

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Time-Lapse Systems are a part of Hideaway Media Ltd (est. 2007). World leader in the provision of bespoke time-lapse capture and site monitoring solutions. UK and Worldwide.