Oh, it's a sexy subject and a half this episode. Concrete is one of the most widely-used building materials in the world, so we're exploring its environmental impact with Adam Gittins from Cemfree. The manufacture of traditional cement, a key component of concrete, accounts for up to 8% of GLOBAL carbon emissions. But, there are innovative ways to reduce this - from creating ultra low-carbon types of cement (like Cemfree) that can be used, to designing buildings that use concrete smarter and have much more thorough 'end-of-life' recycling plans that can re-use building materials once the structure is no longer needed in its current form. And, as Adam points out, persuading the government to make these changes mandated in projects like the construction of all new homes, would make a huge impact on a very carbon-heavy industry.
Extra reading:
Cemfree (DB Group): https://dbgholdings.com/cemfree/
Cement makers across world pledge large cut in emissions by 2030 (Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/oct/12/cement-makers-across-world-pledge-large-cut-in-emissions-by-2030-co2-net-zero-2050#:~:text=The%20industry%20is%20responsible%20for,and%20concrete%20release%20CO2.
Get in touch
Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.
While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!
Order your FWIE Teeshirts and sweatshirts
They're organic cotton, printed on demand and suuuper comfortable. Plus, they help us keep the podcast going: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/
84: Air Pollution (Psst. We’re on a break!)
83: Forget Me Not, with author Sophie Pavelle
82. Sam Gandy on Nature Connection, plus Psychedelics and Beavers?
81: BOGS! (Again) Celebrating natural carbon sequestration for #WorldBogDay
80: Eco-Anxiety. What is it, and how can we deal with it?
79: Antarctica. Can we protect it, or survive without it? With Ryan Dalton
78: Sports! Can we make them more sustainable?
77: Save the Seagrass, Save Ourselves?
75: Bats! Why Bats Are Important And How To Save Them
74: Saving Fish and Top Pond Tips, With Wildlife Cameraman Jack Perks
73: Nina Constable on Fish Passes, Filmmaking and Families
72: Steve Simpson on Coral Reefs, Global Change, Eco Grief and Hope
71: Botanist Leif Bersweden on Plants & Climate Change
70: Rewilding and Reptiles, with Harvey Tweats
69: Conservation in Africa and life in the bush, with Rosie Miles
68: Birds of Prey! With Tom Morath from Hawk Conservancy Trust
67: Ho, ho, how to have a sustainable Christmas! (Again)
66: Australia on fire: BURNING with Emmy and Oscar Award-Winning Filmmaker Eva Orner
65: Cambo: Oil, Gas and Cheesy Bottom Sponges
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Museum of the Missing
Strange by Nature Podcast
The Poetry of Science
Sasquatch Chronicles
Hidden Brain