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Concrete is the most common building material on the planet. It’s also one of the leading contributors to the building industry’s carbon footprint. Cement production alone accounts for an estimated eight percent of global CO₂ emissions. That’s mainly what is known as embodied CO₂ created from the intense heat required to produce cement powder, a primary ingredient for most concrete applications. Innovative Carbon Technologies is a Canadian company that has recently introduced CarbonX360, a patented closed-loop system that locks more CO₂ into concrete during production. Instead of releasing volatile CO₂ back into the atmosphere, CarbonX360 effectively traps and mineralizes CO₂, permanently embedding the carbon in the hardened concrete. The process eliminates fugitive off-gassing, while making the final product stronger, greener, and more profitable.“Our goal was simple,” says ICT president Clive Diggins. “Create a system that improves on existing technology, trapping more CO₂ in concrete and helping the building industry meet their CO₂ targets sooner.”
ICT is a private partnership of building contractors, home builders, concrete producers and field technicians. CarbonX360 represents over five years of research and development, in association with leading chemical manufacturers, gas providers, and concrete producers in Canada.
How it works
CarbonX360 uses a closed-loop CO₂ carrying and delivery system that fits into standard concrete operations. Unlike open systems where gaseous CO₂ can escape during mixing, ICT’s process ensures maximum retention and mineralization. The result is a more durable, environmentally responsible concrete.
Why it matters
The construction industry is under increasing pressure from regulators and customers to reduce their carbon footprints. Low-carbon materials are becoming the new standard for infrastructure, buildings, and procurement.
On the ground
ICT recently demonstrated CarbonX360 at Acton Precast Concrete in Ontario, the first concrete producer to implement the patented system.
“The environmental benefits of this process are potentially game-changing,” said Dave Turner, president of APC. “We’ve had the opportunity to work with ICT on some recent project applications, and the results are impressive in terms of the quality and workability of the concrete.”
For the past five years, ICT has been developing its unique system, based on proven science in the carbon capture, utilization and storage field. Early results point to both environmental and performance gains, with more pilot projects now underway.
The big picture
The built environment is responsible for a massive share of global emissions. If widely adopted, CarbonX360 could turn concrete from one of the world’s dirtiest materials into a powerful process for CO₂ management and reduction.