Building climate-neutral with concrete
All industries have submitted to the Swedish government their roadmaps to become fossil fuel-free. Roadmaps have also been submitted by the cement and concrete industries, which are today major sources of emissions both globally and in Sweden. RISE is now bringing together partners from across the value chain in order to realise the roadmaps.
If we are to achieve the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045, we must ask ourselves how concrete fits into a fossil fuel-free future
RISE wants to change attitudes
– “One problem that exists is that many clients do not know how to set requirements for the concrete,” says Malaga. “And even if the end customer tries to set requirements, the builders may be unsure how to mix concrete with a smaller proportion of cement.”
For this reason, RISE works directly with its partners to disseminate facts and share test results relating to the technical characteristics of new materials. The idea is to be able to change the understanding of what constitutes a robust construction.
– "In Masthuggskajen in Gothenburg, where a new residential area is being built, RISE has worked together with Älvstaden Utveckling AB to show the contractors how concrete in which slag replaces part of the cement can work particularly well in salt-rich coastal environments".
Other partners want to go further. Malaga hopes that the Swedish Transport Administration’s willingness to try new solutions will lead to the use of concrete with a higher proportion of clay in the recipe when the Bothnia Line is completed.
– “This could provide both a new railway and make it more climate-smart,” concludes Malaga.
