Climate Basics Podcast Episode 10 notes



Episode 11: Construction

While a lot of focus goes to energy and transportation, an equal or larger portion of our co2 emissions come from the construction industry. Heavy machines, energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel, and unsustainable cost-cutting practices abound across the construction sector.

1. 

Where emissions come from

steel
Concrete

lumber

fuels


2.

Alternatives https://youtu.be/wmoy27EZ8y0?si=SBU3LTpi0fl09F07 

Green steel, recycling https://youtu.be/jWD2nI5RhpI?si=YflTS-LFc3xdhVnY 

Sustainable forestry, coppicing, pressed wood https://youtu.be/iH9XaaGc8DU?si=mi7mXhbdiakbgQCm 

biocrete/mycofabrication https://youtu.be/fEt92F1c730?si=Rv4PoxMwjjcIk05P https://youtu.be/Pp7pSlwIlLA?si=gaBt0YvnKtHaGWb7
https://youtu.be/k_vYK-w1Rig?si=Fvhx_f6vWUnRBTbL 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6qjhj3kr9o 

batteries

3. 

How to help

Check out local buildings that use sustainable materials

Make sure zoning/building codes allow new modes

Switch off diesel-based tools and generators


The construction industry - particularly cement, concrete and steel - together contribute significantly to the overall annual carbon emissions, globally.

Cement / concrete, in particular, is an old technology that has relied upon coal / oil / gas furnaces for the high heat required to make clinker - i.e. about 1,400 to 1,500 Celcius.

Now there are other, new technologies, that can help clean the process, including the mixture using new materials and the heat being provided by new long-term storage: see  @formenergyinc  (sand / brick) and  @Antora_Energy  (carbon) for their new batteries, which are being deployed and tested.

New advances in steel, wood composite and fuels, as well as electric tools, are also explored

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