Neustark, a leading Swiss carbon removal specialist, has partnered with United Kingdom-based Aggregate Industries to introduce a technology that removes COâ‚‚ from the atmosphere and locks it into recycled concrete.
The first facility, located in Greenwich, London, started operations today. This site aims to permanently remove 1,000 tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually, equivalent to the carbon absorbed by over 16,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Expanding into the UK Market
This marks Neustark’s first project in the UK, following its success with 19 carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites across Europe. The Greenwich facility is one of the first commercially viable permanent carbon removal solutions in the UK.
It uses a process where COâ‚‚ is captured, liquefied, and then injected into mineral waste streams like demolished concrete. The COâ‚‚ mineralizes, storing it in the building materials and turning it into a permanent carbon sink.
Tackling the Construction Sector’s Emissions
The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for 37% of the total. Cement production alone is responsible for 7%. Despite efforts to reduce emissions, the UK Green Building Council recently warned that the UK construction sector is “significantly off-track” in reaching net-zero goals.
To meet future climate targets, decarbonization in construction needs to accelerate. By turning demolished concrete into a carbon sink, Neustark and Aggregate Industries aim to tackle this issue. Each tonne of demolished concrete can store up to 10 kg of COâ‚‚, helping to reduce overall emissions.
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A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Growth
Aggregate Industries, part of the global Holcim Group, is a leading supplier of building materials in the UK and plays a key role in infrastructure development. The partnership with Neustark aims to accelerate green growth by providing sustainable solutions for the construction industry. Neustark’s CEO highlighted that the UK’s infrastructure and mature supply chain make it an ideal market for their carbon removal technology. He also emphasized the importance of shifting the focus to carbon removal, beyond traditional CCS technologies.
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Reinforcing a Circular Economy
The collaboration not only addresses carbon emissions but also supports a circular economy. By recycling demolished concrete into valuable building materials, the partnership reduces waste and promotes sustainability. Aggregate Industries hopes other contractors will adopt the technology, accelerating decarbonization in the sector.
Since its commercial launch in 2023, Neustark has already removed over 2,500 tonnes of COâ‚‚. The company plans to expand its operations, with 40 more sites expected to launch by 2025.