What is carbon capture and storage?
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes and stores it deep underground so that it does not enter the atmosphere. The construction sector is closely linked to CCS because the production of cement and steel generates large quantities of CO2.
How does CCS work?
The CCS process consists of three steps:
- Capture — CO2 is separated from flue gases or process streams using chemical or physical methods
- Transport — the captured CO2 is transported by pipeline or ship to the storage site
- Storage — the CO2 is injected into deep geological formations, such as depleted gas fields beneath the North Sea
CO2 in the construction sector
Construction is responsible for a significant share of global CO2 emissions:
- Cement — cement production accounts for approximately 7 % of global CO2 emissions
- Steel — steel production is another major source
- Transport — delivery of building materials adds further emissions
Applications
- Cement works — CCS installations are being developed to capture CO2 at cement plants
- Low-carbon concrete — new concrete mixes absorb CO2 during curing (carbon curing)
- Whole-life carbon — the embodied carbon of buildings is increasingly regulated; CCS can reduce the footprint of materials
- Circular construction — alongside CCS, the industry is pursuing less cement, alternative binders and material reuse
Related terms
- Sustainable construction
- Cement
- Embodied carbon
- Circular economy
- Energy rating
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