While concrete is certainly one of the most used materials in the world, making it generates about 8% of anthropogenic carbon-dioxide emissions. When concrete is made, heat is applied to limestone to break up the calcium carbonate and separate it into calcium oxide and CO₂.  While we can hope that the CO₂ would be disposed of in a way that it stays out of the atmosphere, a better solution is to not generate the CO₂ in the first place. Some believe that microbes can assist, for example, in photosynthesizing cyanobacteria. That allows cement-making to come from a process in which the energy comes from light rather than heat.  Light is easily generated from electricity and can come from renewable sources. More importantly, photosynthesis actually subtracts CO₂ from the atmosphere rather than adding it. These exciting developments are at the forefront of the construction industry and hold great promise for the future.

For over 25 years, Lee Enterprises Consulting has been assisting companies and investors with issues relating to bioenergy, biofuels, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks.   With over 150 consultants, we have the diverse expertise and geographical reach to assist in virtually any bioeconomy project worldwide. These seasoned professionals average over 30 years of industry experience.  Our ability to assemble these professionals into multidisciplinary teams allows us to fully integrate a project’s technical, scientific, and regulatory aspects, and combine them with years of hands-on experience.  Please take a look at our experts and the services we provide.  You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.