Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to mitigate their impact on climate change. This is important, as around 45% of the CO2 emitted by humans remains in the atmosphere, which is a significant factor behind global warming. Carbon sequestration can prevent further emissions from contributing to the heating of the planet. While it happens in small amounts naturally, artificial processes have been devised to produce similar effects at a larger scales and faster pace.
CCUS stands for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage. It is a set of technologies and processes aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial and power generation sources, utilizing the captured CO2 for various purposes, and storing it securely to prevent its release into the atmosphere.
Geological carbon sequestration (GCS) involves injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground into geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and basalt formations.
Biological carbon sequestration (BCS) involves capturing CO2 from the atmosphere through plant photosynthesis and storing it in biomass, such as trees, crops, and algae.
Carbon storage, ‘carbon sequestration’ and ‘carbon sink’ are terms used (often loosely) to describe how buildings can reduce their net emissions. Timber buildings do not sequester carbon during their life, they instead store carbon which has been absorbed by the trees. Cementitious building materials, e.g., concrete, do however sequester carbon during their life cycle through a chemical process called carbonation. But, the amount of carbon absorbed is only a small fraction of the emissions generated from producing the material in the first place.
Some additional examples of how architecture can sequester carbon:
• Using bio-based materials: such as wood, bamboo, and straw, absorb carbon dioxide during their growth.
• Integrating plants: Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
• Using recycled materials: Recycled materials contain carbon that has already been captured.
• Designing for energy efficiency: Energy-efficient buildings require less energy to operate, which means that they emit less carbon dioxide.
• Using renewable energy: Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, do not emit carbon dioxide.
• Using carbon-negative materials: Some materials, such as biochar, can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Designing for carbon neutrality: Some buildings are designed to be carbon neutral, meaning that they emit no net carbon dioxide emissions over their lifetime. This can be achieved through a combination of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon offsetting.
VK:e has dedicated energy specialists who can assist with carbon sequestration strategies and provide tailored solutions for your project.
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