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Deal Signed for Low-Carbon Concrete

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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Two Canadian companies have partnered in an effort to transform the concrete industry, one low-carbon concrete block at a time.

The "green" products—developed by CarbonCure Technologies Inc., of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and produced by Atlas Block Company, of Midland, Ontario—use a new technology that injects waste carbon dioxide into concrete during manufacturing.

CarbonCure

CarbonCure technology injects waste CO2 into concrete during manufacturing.

That's an exciting development for an industry responsible for about five percent of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the companies.

After several months of testing, the companies have signed a licensing agreement to bring Atlas Block products with CarbonCure technology to the market, according to a joint announcement released Jan. 15.

Transforming the Industry

“This could transform the entire concrete industry,” said Don Gordan, Atlas Block CEO, adding that the technology is a key component of his company’s 2013 strategy. “I’ve been in this industry many years. This is easily the most exciting technological improvement I’ve seen.”

Under the deal, Atlas will "permanently install CarbonCure's technology" and apply it across the Atlas line of products, including concrete blocks, pavers and segmented retaining walls, the companies said.

Atlas Block with CarbonCure products have been specified for several sports center projects for the upcoming 2015 Pan Am Games, the companies noted.

Plans for U.S.

CarbonCure plans to roll out the new technology across the United States this year.

The company is currently working with a concrete manufacturer in California and expects to have the product available in New York, Ohio, Texas and other states in the next few months.

"Traditionally, the concrete sector has struggled to play in the green building game; CarbonCure is helping producers like Atlas profit from unprecedented growth in green construction," said CarbonCure founder and CEO Robert Niven.

Comment from Tom Schwerdt, (1/22/2013, 10:03 AM)

I'm confused. Carbonation (reaction with carbon dioxide) is one of the main degradation mechanisms for concrete.

Comment from Jennifer Wagner, (1/31/2013, 2:11 PM)

Thanks for the question Tom. It is true that the reaction between mature concrete with CO2 from the atmosphere can be negative. However, we are introducing the CO2 when the concrete is still fresh. At this point the CO2 reacts with the cement to form calcium carbonate.