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.
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23: Overfishing & Eating Fish Sustainably, with The Marine Conservation Society
22: Sustainable & Plastic-Free Periods
21: Letters from Listeners
20: Sustainable Cities: Nancy Grimm on Future-Proofing For Climate Change
19: Happy Holidays: How To Be Sustainable at Christmas!
18: The Great British Beach Clean, with Lizzie Prior and the Marine Conservation Society
17: Rewildling and reforestation: Can trees save the planet?
16: British Birds and Wildlife-Friendly Gardens, with Dan Rouse
15: How Can We Travel More Sustainably?
14: BONUS Episode! Arctic Bumblebees & Climate Change
13: Listener Q&A!
12: Climate Emergency: What Does That Even Mean?
11: Libby Bowles: Marine Conservation, Plastics, Sustainable Living and Bamboo Bicycle Trips
10: Why is Nature Important in our Cities? With the Avon Wildlife Trust
9: Electric Cars
8: Palm Oil: What’s The Problem?
7. Sustainable Cosmetics & Toiletries, with Sophie Pavelle
6: Plastics (Part 2): What Can We Do?
5: Plastics (Part 1): What‘s The Problem?
4: Recycling: How Does It Work And Are We Doing Enough?
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