How does low carbon RCA reduce emissions?

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Low Carbon RCA Reduces Emissions Through Carbon Dioxide Mineralization

Low carbon recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) possesses significant potential to lower emissions when utilized in concrete production, primarily through a process of carbon dioxide mineralization. This method involves incorporating waste concrete, which is then processed into RCA through a carbon dioxide mineralization technique. A life cycle assessment has indicated that this low carbon RCA offers a substantial reduction in emissions compared to conventional aggregates.
Production of Low Carbon RCA

The production of low carbon RCA begins with waste concrete, specifically from projects like Hang Lung Properties' Westlake 66 development in Hangzhou. This waste material is crushed into aggregate. Subsequently, it undergoes a carbon dioxide mineralization process, transforming it into low carbon RCA. Hang Lung Properties and its collaboration partner, CLEANCO2, have already conducted a small-scale pilot project utilizing this method, processing 150 tons of waste concrete, and are evaluating the process at a medium scale.
Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Process

CLEANCO2's proprietary carbon dioxide mineralization technology is central to the creation of low carbon RCA. This technology, which originated from the State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization at Zhejiang University, involves the chemical reaction of carbon dioxide with the constituent materials of the aggregate. While the specific chemical reactions are not detailed, the overarching principle is that the carbon dioxide becomes permanently sequestered within the mineral structure of the aggregate, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint of the concrete in which it is used.
Emission Reduction Potential

The effectiveness of low carbon RCA in reducing emissions is supported by life cycle assessments. These evaluations demonstrate a notable decrease in emissions when this type of aggregate is used in comparison to standard aggregates. This is particularly significant as embodied carbon, which includes emissions from building materials, accounts for 11% of global carbon emissions and a substantial portion of a building's total lifetime emissions, making innovations like low carbon RCA crucial for the construction sector.

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