Almost 40% of global CO2 emissions are attributable to the construction and building sector. Around 30 billion tonnes of concrete are produced worldwide every year and demand continues to rise. The binding agent cement and the composite material concrete are important building materials – but their production contributes to climate change. Estimates suggest that the cement industry alone is responsible for more than 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With reCO2ver® Sika has developed an innovative technology that enables complete recycling of concrete demolition material and is unique in the concrete industry.
17,000 tonnes of CO2 storage in concrete demolition material by the end of 2030
Sikas not only processes old concrete into the high-quality individual components gravel, sand and cement stone, but can also bind additional CO2 thanks to a chemical process. Approximately 15 kilogrammes of CO2 can be permanently stored per tonne of demolition material. In addition, the performance of the cement paste powder produced in the process is optimised by Sika additives
Additives and can thus be used again as a cement substitute in concrete production. A pilot plant has been in operation in Switzerland since October 2021 – the test phase has now been successfully completed.
In order to be able to provide standardised proof of the plants’ added climate value, Sika is developing a climate protection programme together with South Pole in accordance with the specifications of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU). A significant milestone has now been reached with regard to the implementation and use of this technology for CO2 capture and storage: the Swiss Climate Cent Foundation guarantees the purchase of CO2 certificates from this programme of initially CHF 10 million until the end of 2030.
The implementation of the industrial plants is a central component of the certified climate protection programme. By the end of 2030, around 17,000 tonnes of CO2 are to be stored in concrete demolition material. This is roughly equivalent to the amount of CO2 released during the construction of 850 single-family houses made of concrete. Philippe Jost, Head Construction Sika: “With our innovative strength and our sustainable technologies, we enable our customers in the construction and automotive industries to reduce their ecological footprint and make the transition to more sustainability. We are very pleased that the reCO2ver® technology is being specifically promoted. We are convinced that through the programme we are creating great added value for the construction industry, the environment and for future generations.”
