Bacteria designed like corals to achieve carbon-neutral cement production

by Sari Vegendal, Technical University of Denmark

Bacteria designed by researchers can help solving one of the big CO2 challenges in the construction industry. Credit: Thomas Steen Sørensen

 New buildings are often a cause for celebration, but there is not much to celebrate when looking at the climate footprint of the construction industry, which is among the world's highest.

In 2021 alone, 2.9 billion tons of CO2 were emitted through the industry's cement production, corresponding to more than 7% of the total global CO2 emissions. The emissions occur when the cement is heated, as the high temperatures cause CO2 release. 

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