What is the CarbiCrete Project?
CarbiCrete is a Montreal-based cleantech company shaking up the building industry with its innovative, low-cost solutions aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Their patented technology makes it possible to produce cement-free, carbon-negative concrete by using industrial by-products and captured CO2. This isn’t just about making concrete; it’s about transforming how concrete is made—offering manufacturers a process, materials, and full support to create lower-cost, higher-quality precast concrete that seriously cuts down on carbon footprints.
The Main Benefit: Reducing Embodied Carbon
Replacing cement in concrete mixes is hands down the biggest opportunity to reduce embodied carbon in construction. Every time cement-free concrete is used, it chips away at the carbon footprint of a project, pushing us toward a more sustainable future. Here’s what adopting CarbiCrete technology at a typical concrete masonry unit (CMU) plant can achieve annually:
- 20,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent abated and removed
- 4,400 cubic metres of water saved
- 33,000 tons of landfill waste avoided
How CarbiCrete Technology Works
The magic lies in substituting cement with steel slag—a repurposed industrial waste—eliminating a highly polluting ingredient from the concrete mix. The process is straightforward and fits right into existing concrete plants. Steel slag is combined with aggregate and water, then shaped using standard equipment already in place. CarbiCrete takes care of installing and integrating the curing chamber and the onsite CO2 tank, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.
CO2 Sourcing and Management
CarbiCrete sources CO2 from industrial gas suppliers who capture and purify emissions from industrial sources. The company oversees the installation of the CO2 tank and its connection to the curing chamber. Maintenance and refills? Those are handled directly by the gas supplier, so plant operators can focus on production without worrying about the details.
Local Sourcing and Quality Assurance
Steel slag is sourced locally by CarbiCrete, ensuring it meets all the necessary specifications to act as a reliable concrete binder. This local sourcing not only supports regional industries but also reduces transportation emissions, adding another layer of sustainability to the process.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Expanding the Reach of Cement-Free Concrete
CarbiCrete licenses its process to companies producing masonry products like CMUs, pavers, and retaining walls. Their R&D team is always pushing the envelope, optimizing the process and developing new offerings. As the green building market grows, more concrete users are seeking reliable materials that reduce cement use. CarbiCrete makes it easy for producers to increase sales and lower costs—all while shrinking their carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for business and the planet.
