Carbon negative concretes: environmentally friendly concrete

Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a high-tech, environmentally friendly concrete that can absorb more carbon than it releases.

This sustainable concrete was created by adding biochar, a form of concrete made from organic waste, to conventional cement. It has been shown that the incorporation of biochar can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide uptake without compromising the strength and reliability for which cement is prized.

This carbon-negative concrete is not just a scientific triumph, but also offers significant promise in terms of commercialization and industrial applications, and a team of scientists is currently working to license their technology with interested partners in the construction sector. In the long term, this environmentally friendly concrete can make concrete production more sustainable.

Image Credit: Washington State University.