The City of Langford is looking to cut its CO2 emissions by changing its concrete standards for construction projects.
The city says they are the first Canadian city to implement a low-carbon concrete policy. The policy, beginning on Jun. 1, 2022, will involve using carbon dioxide mineralization technology in concrete for projects larger than 50 cubic metres for all city-owned or solicited projects.
They say cement production, an ingredient in concrete, is responsible for about seven per cent of the world’s CO2 and changing the composition will make it less environmentally damaging and stronger.
CO2 mineralization involves taking captured CO2 and injecting it into the concrete during the mixing process, according to a press release from the city. They say the CO2 becomes permanently embedded into the concrete and increases the strength.
The city hopes the new policy will make Langford a leader in Canadian climate action.
“By integrating this carbon mineralization policy, Langford is in a position to be the Canadian leader in the deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies for concrete used in new construction,” said Vancouver Island resident Robert Niven, CEO of CarbonCure Technologies, a local supplier of carbon mineralization technologies for concrete.
Langford says the new policy will also require companies to submit a Type 3 Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) — like a concrete nutrition label — for their projects.
CO2 mineralization is used in the city already, according to the press release. They say the policy was passed after discussions with experts across the Island.
Justin Waddell
