Aim
To demonstrate the combined effect of multiple marginal actions to reduce CO2 emissions in the FI sector.
Objective:
In most FI sectors, steps are being taken to reduce the eCO2 of materials and products. Many of these efforts (e.g. more efficient design, lower energy processes, reducing waste) are considered separately; the combination of multiple steps is not considered, nor is the potential for interactions between them. Carbon savings are presented step-by-step, instead of considering the product level. For example, in cement production, eCO2 can be reduced by using low-carbon cement, cement replacement materials, biofuels etc. In concrete production, this can be further augmented by better concrete mix design and reduced waste. In component/site production, this can be further augmented by optimised structural design and reduced waste again. In system terms, increased reuse and refurbishment of buildings can be implemented. While each of these steps has a relatively marginal CO2 reduction, combining them in intelligent ways could make CO2 savings of up to 70%. Similar analysis could be applied to other industries esp. steel but cement and concrete would be a useful starting point as I’ve already done
some ‘borad brush’ calculations.
Anticipated deliverables:
Charts and design guides showing how by combining multiple design and process improvements, along with system and policy changes, deep cuts in CO2 emissions can be achieved. This would also help build narratives showing how the small changes that individual teams or companies/SMEs have control over could feed into the bigger picture. For glass industry – journal paper / position paper demonstrating technical feasibility coupled with energy / CO2 savings. To be used as primer for future Glass Futures test bed trials (and future associated funding bids led by PAB / Glass Futures).
