PDF VersionRevolutionizing Carbon Dioxide Capture: Conventional Approaches Are Extremely Utilized in the Manufacturing Process of Traditional Bricks with the Locally Available Soils, Construction Waste Materials and ISF Slag Utilization Rate
H. Narayanamoorthy K
Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, India; +91 89037-94508, E-mail: hariperumal.mitmpl2023@learner.manipal.edu
1. The Impact of Construction on Global Emissions
• Magnitude: The construction industry, encompassing the entire life cycle of buildings and infrastructure, directly or indirectly contributes to nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion and approximately 25% of overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Challenge: To meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree warming target, the construction and real estate ecosystem must eliminate annual emissions.
2. Key Strategies for Decarbonization
a. Sustainable Materials
• Cement and Steel: These materials constitute a significant portion of a building’s emissions. By switching to greener versions and improving efficiency, lifetime emissions can be slashed by 44% by 2050.
• Innovations: Researchers are exploring alternative materials with lower carbon footprints.
b. Energy Efficiency
• Building Performance: Improving energy efficiency in buildings reduces operational emissions.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources minimizes reliance on fossil fuels.
c. Circular Economy
• Reuse and Recycling: Promoting circular practices for construction materials reduces the need for new production.
• Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste during construction and demolition processes.
3. Policy and Investment
• Policy Commitments: Governments must multiply policy commitments alongside concrete actions.
• Investment in Efficiency: Stimulus packages can support sustainable infrastructure projects and job creation.
4. Collaboration and Innovation
• Industry Collaboration: Construction companies, architects, and policymakers must collaborate to drive change.
• Research and Development: Continued innovation in sustainable construction practices.
5. The Path Forward
• Holistic Approach: Consider the entire life cycle of buildings—from design to demolition.
• Global Cooperation: Addressing emissions requires collective efforts on a global scale.
Figure 1.
- Natural process of photosynthesis
- Artificial process of photosynthesis
- Integrated approach of process intensification
- Carbon dioxide conversion cycle into a by or useful product.