Although undeniably essential and prevalent, concrete is a substance that must undergo change for the sake of the earth.

Current cement production constitutes 6 to 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, as it requires a lot of energy and high heat. In response to this issue, the company Solidia pitched a cement mixture that is not only cheaper, but releases less CO2.  70% of the emissions of regular cement can be reduced using a different formula and procedure, claims Solidia.

Solidia uses carbon dioxide to cure their cement, unlike the conventional water and steam. Then, they collect it and incorporate it into synthetic limestone. This cuts emissions drastically in comparison to the standard “Portland” cement. While typical pavers take multiple weeks to harden, Solidia’s blocks are ready after 24 hours, accelerating manufacturing time, which decreases the cost for producers. 

Solidia offers an alternative to the destructive status quo of cement production, cutting not only costs, but also carbon emissions.

I wasn’t sure what I’d do for this week’s Synopsis, so I broached the topic with a couple of my friends and one of their dads. My friend’s dad recommended that I look into “green concrete,” something he’d read about, as concrete has a remarkably high environmental burden. I was shocked to discover the magnitude of emissions that concrete produces, but I was disappointed to see the lack of information surrounding its alternatives. The article I read on Solidia was interesting but brief, and I found little more that focused on the brand.

That being said, I definitely did learn about it, and I’m sure I’ll find out more next week, so stay tuned to learn with me!

Reed, Stanley. “Building Blocks of Change: New Jersey Firm Bets on a Greener Concrete.” New York Times, 12/03 2018. ProQuest; SIRS Issues Researcher, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2266172855?accountid=163174.