City of Austin launches “green” concrete sidewalk pilot program

Cement is a major source of global carbon emissions, and a city pilot program is using eco-friendly concrete technology for sidewalks on Burleson Road between Ben White Boulevard and Chapman Lane, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve the sidewalk network. Crews began work last week on new sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways. How does green concrete technology work? As concrete is being mixed, captured carbon dioxide is injected into it. Then carbon dioxide is sequestered forever in the hardened concrete, even if the project is torn down. The process also increases the concrete strength and uses less cement. A lower carbon footprint cement (Type 1L) in this mix design will effectively create a twofold reduction in CO2. According to CarbonCure, each cubic yard of concrete made with this technology can save an average of 25 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Austin’s sidewalk pilot project will prevent about 2,500 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. The Office of the City Engineer has proposed the project to test out and start using this technology that benefits both the environment and the community.