The built environment (buildings and infrastructure) accounts for about a third of Finland’s climate emissions. As the built environment is one of the most important producers of CO2 emissions alongside industry, its role in the pursuit of a carbon-neutral society is undeniable. Finland’s carbon neutrality target for 2035, as well as adaptation to climate change, pose challenges to the built environment, especially due to its long service life and several cross-cutting requirements (sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, health (including indoor air quality), comfort, experience and biodiversity).
Concrete is the most widely used building material both in Finland and in the world. Concrete is used in a variety of ways in both buildings and infrastructure, as its properties are easily modified. The most important raw material for concrete is cement. The main climate impacts of cement are the energy use of clinker combustion and the carbon dioxide chemically released during combustion.
The BECO project promotes to decrease the carbon footprint of the built environment and in concrete construction in particular. At the same time, the project aims to promote the achievement of both Finland’s and Kymenlaakso’s carbon neutrality goals.
The project tests and pilots in practice the carbon dioxide curing process of concrete, identifies its process requirements, advantages and disadvantages, and compares the properties of the cured concrete with “traditional” concrete. In addition, the suitability of the process for the needs of ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete production in the Kymenlaakso region is studied.
As a result of the BECO project, the know-how related to the carbon dioxide curing of concrete, the functionality and feasibility of the process, as well as the effects on the properties of the concrete and the carbon footprint of the products will be produced.
Photograph: Manu Eloaho