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CarbonCure - A New Type of Sustainable Concrete

When your project requires strength and durability as well as something that’s
eco-friendly, sustainable concrete is a great choice. There are different types of sustainable concrete to choose from, and each one equates to sustainable building practices that offer economic and environmental benefits. When your project requires something greener, consider the following sustainable concrete options.

CarbonCureTM Overview

CarbonCureTM technology mixes recycled CO2 into the concrete using our plant’s existing batching system. Once injected, the CO2 chemically converts into a mineral and becomes permanently embedded in the concrete. This results in improved compressive strength which optimizes the mix design and can include a reduction of cementitious materials used. By sequestering the recycled CO2 within the concrete and using less cementitious materials, the carbon footprint is reduced by approximately 25 pounds of CO2 per cubic yard (sequestered + avoided CO2).

  • A medium-sized building constructed by Ozinga with CarbonCureTM Technology sequesters the same amount of carbon dioxide that a forest would in 200 years
  • Implementing CarbonCureTM globally could annually reduce 700 megatons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent to the emissions from 150 million cars

At Ozinga, we are passionate about our charge to care for the earth, which is why we offer different sustainable concrete products. Contact one of our concrete specialists today to learn more about the different sustainable products we have to offer.

CarbonCure Locations

CarbonCureTM Technology is available at all Ozinga ready mix concrete plants

Chicago | Illinois North | Illinois South | Indiana East | Indiana West | Wisconsin | Florida

Bill Gates on Innovation and CarbonCureTM | 60 Minutes Interview

In a February 2021 interview with 60 minutes, Bill Gates discussed the need for innovation to fight climate change – including embodied carbon and CarbonCure.

Bill Gates interview – February 15, 2021 | Discussing his new book, innovation, and his investment in CarbonCure. “Without innovation, we will not solve climate change. We won’t even come close.”

CarbonCure Technology

carboncure infographic

With CarbonCure, contractors can capitalize on the unique qualities of concrete they rely on: strength, versatility, durability, and thermal-insulation—with a reduced carbon footprint.
Designers, developers, and architects using CarbonCure will reduce concrete’s carbon footprint without impacting its fresh or hardened properties, and without impacting construction schedules.meet

CarbonCure FAQs

What is CarbonCure?

CarbonCure is leading an initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry. CarbonCure technology enables designers, developers and architects to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete products used in construction projects without impacting the concrete’s quality.

How does CarbonCure impact sustainability?

The most sustainable principle of design is to construct buildings that are built to last. Concrete is crucial for the development of sustainable buildings, as it provides the strength to build tall, resilient, well-insulated structures. With CarbonCure, designers, developers, and architects can capitalize on the unique qualities of concrete they rely on with a reduced carbon footprint.

On average, 25 pounds of CO2 per cubic yard of concrete are saved using CarbonCure technology.

How is CO2 sourced?

CO2 is sourced from emitters by industrial gas suppliers, who collect, purify, and distribute the CO2. CO2 is used for a number of different applications, including carbonated beverages. In most circumstances, there is no net benefit to the environment as the CO2 eventually returns to the atmosphere. Conversely, CO2 injected into concrete chemically converts to a mineral and will never re-enter the earth’s atmosphere. Ozinga harvests our CO2 from the United Ethanol plant in Wisconsin.

Can CarbonCure help obtain LEED points?

CarbonCure helps reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by approximately 5%. This carbon footprint reduction may contribute to the LEED v4 Materials & Resources credit: “Whole Building Life Cycle Impact Reduction (option 4).” This credit asks the project team to show a 10% footprint reduction in three impact categories, including CO2 emissions, compared to a reference building.

Concrete products made with CarbonCure technology that have issued third-party verified EPDs may validate this carbon reduction. The EPDs may additionally count for further LEED points under the LEED v4 Materials & Resources credit for environmental product declarations.

Has CarbonCure considered the “carbon costs” involved? 

CarbonCure has conducted extensive Life Cycle Analysis calculations to determine the “carbon cost” involved in its process. These “costs” include additional CO2 emitted from the collection, purification and distribution of the CO2, as well as the manufacturing and shipping of the CarbonCure technology. While the cost impact varies on a case-by-case basis, the amalgamated CO2 cost is roughly 0.2 lb CO2 per cubic yard of concrete (compared to total carbon savings of approximately 25 pounds CO2).

Will this affect the finish/color/texture of the concrete product?

No, the addition of CO2 in concrete using CarbonCure technology has no effect on the concrete’s finish, color or texture. The concrete looks exactly as it would if it did not have recycled CO2.

What happens to the CO2 at the end of the building’s life cycle?

Once injected into the concrete, the CO2 chemically converts into a calcium carbonate mineral. This mineral is permanently bound within the concrete. If that concrete became demolished at the end of its life-cycle, there is no risk of CO2 “escaping” as the CO2 no longer exists. In this instance, it would simply become crushed up gravel.

Can CarbonCure be used on my commercial project? 

CarbonCure can be used in residential and commercial projects. Ozinga has CarbonCure technology installed at four of our Chicagoland locations. For more information on CarbonCure and your project, contact us at 312.432.5700.

CarbonCure Now Available at All Ready Mix Locations

Ozinga is pleased to announce that CarbonCureTM technology is now available at all ready mix plants across the company. CarbonCureTM was originally only available at a select few yards, including our Chicago locations, and was previously used during the renovation of McDonald’s flagship store. CarbonCureTM technology introduces recycled carbon dioxide gas generated by an ethanol

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