Great Potential of Precast Concrete Structures in Carbon Neutrality

Abstract

Cement used in structural concrete accounts for 60% of all cement. Thus, the amount of CO2 emission by cement in structural concrete in a year is about 5% of the amount emitted by mankind. However, the LCA of structural concrete emits CO2 not only at the product stage but also at the use stage after construction. In other words, LCA of structural concrete should consider not only the materials but also the maintenance phase. Then low-carbon technologies currently in use is introduced. Moreover, the need for multi-cycle structural concrete with a circular economy is presented. The carbon neutrality of precast concrete structure is not a risk but an opportunity for us.