Concrete and carbon uptake

How much carbon dioxide concrete can absorb

Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us.

In this episode, Hessam Azarijafari explains the extent to which concrete can absorb carbon dioxide over its lifecycle.

In this episode, we cover:
•[00:00] Introduction.
•[00:56] Construction engineer Hessam Azarijafari introduces us to the recipe for concrete.
•[01:41] He explains how concrete absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifespan, and why this absorption is important.
•[02:52] Azarijafari talks about the background of the study.
•[03:45] He describes the model built for the study and the data source.
•[05:59] Azarijafari tells the study's results, including variation in absorption across sectors and between the US and Mexico.
•[07:41] He compares this analysis with previous estimates of concrete carbon absorption.
•[08:25] He explains the takeaways from this study for policymakers and the concrete industry.
•[09:36] He lists the caveats and limitations of the study.
•[10:19] Conclusion.

About Our Guest:

Hessam Azarijafari
Research Scientist
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2515116122

Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs!

Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast

Follow PNAS:
Twitter/X
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter