Many researchers are looking for carbon-neutral solutions that can be implemented across industries—from production and manufacturing to building and consumption. This goal comes as climate change continues to wreak havoc, especially on vulnerable populations and animals.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder recently developed a carbon-neutral solution for concrete as a building material that has the potential to be "even carbon-negative." In other to do so, the researchers harnessed the power of algae. Through photosynthesis, microalgae naturally produce limestone. The researchers found a way to harness biogenic limestone in place of quarried limestone which is a component of portland cement.
While the current state of the algae-grown limestone is carbon-neutral, the innovative material has the potential to become carbon-negative "if the additional ground limestone, typically added to the mixture as a 'filter material,' is also replaced by the algae-grown alternative."
Algae-Grown Limestone
University of Colorado Boulder Researchers Seek Carbon-Neutral Solutions
Trend Themes
1. Carbon-neutral Building Materials - The development of algae-grown limestone as a carbon-neutral building material provides an opportunity for further research and innovation in carbon-neutral building materials.
2. Algae-based Solutions - The use of algae as a source of biogenic limestone for concrete provides potential for further research and innovation in other applications of algae-based solutions.
3. Sustainable Production Methods - The use of algae-grown limestone as part of a carbon-neutral solution for concrete shows that sustainable production methods can be implemented across industries.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The carbon-neutral and potentially carbon-negative properties of algae-grown limestone make it a promising alternative for the construction industry.
2. Manufacturing - The use of algae-based solutions in manufacturing could provide a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to production.
3. Environmental Science - Research into the use of algae as biogenic limestone for concrete highlights the potential for environmental science to provide innovative solutions to climate change challenges.