AI-based carbon emission forecast and mitigation framework using recycled concrete aggregates: A sustainable approach for the construction industry

i

This article has been updated. A Correction to this article was published on .

i

The Original Article was published on

i

The Original Article was published on

i

This article has been updated

i

This article was retracted on

i

This article has been updated

Abstract

The cement industry's carbon emissions present a major global challenge, particularly the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. The concrete industry is responsible for a significant portion of these emissions, accounting for approximately 5–9% of the total emissions. This underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to curb carbon emissions. In this work, we propose to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict future emission trends by performing a detailed analysis of cement industry’s CO₂ emissions data. The AI predictive model shows a significant increase in overall carbon emissions from the cement sector which is attributed to population growth and increased demand for housing and infrastructure. To address this issue, we propose a framework that emphasizes on implementing carbon sequestration through reuse of construction and demolition (C&D) waste by using recycled aggregates. The paper proposes a framework addressing carbon sequestration through use of C&D waste. The framework is applied specifically to Maharashtra State in India to calculate the potential reduction in carbon emissions by construction industry resulting from recycled aggregates. The study reveals a projected saving of 24% in carbon emissions by adopting the suggested framework. The process and outcomes of the study aim to address the concerns of climate change through reduced carbon emissions in the construction industry promoting recycle and reuse of construction waste.

Keywords

carbon footprint / cement industry / prediction / carbon compensation / SDGs

CHANGE HISTORY

A Correction to this paper has been published:
https://doi.org

The Retraction Note was updated to reflect reception of statements of disagreement from all authors.

This article has been retracted.Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail:
https://doi.org

References

[1] Wang Y, Li X, Liu R (2022) The Capture and Transformation of Carbon Dioxide in Concrete: A Review. Symmetry 14: 2615. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14122615

[2] Ali M B, Saidur R, Hossain M S (2011) A review on emission analysis in cement industries. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev 15: 2252-2261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.02.014

[3] Deja J, Uliasz-Bochenczyk A, Mokrzycki E (2010) CO₂ emissions from the Polish cement industry . Int J Greenh Gas Control 4: 583-588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2010.02.002

[4] Damineli B L, Kemeid F M, Aguiar P S, et al. (2010) Measuring the eco-efficiency of cement use. Cem Concr Compos 32: 555-562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2010.07.009

[5] Nilimaa J, Zhaka V (2023) Material and Environmental Aspects of Concrete Flooring in Cold Climate. Constr Mat 3: 180-201. https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater3020012

[6] Scrivener, Karen, Vanderley M. John, and Ellis Bentz . Sustainable Concrete Construction. John Wiley & Sons, 2018.

[7] Nilimaa J, Gamil Y, Zhaka V (2023) Formwork Engineering for Sustainable Concrete Construction. Civil Eng 4: 1098-1120. https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng4040060

[8] Tam V W Y, Butera A, Le K N, et al. (2021) CO₂ concrete and its practical value utilizing living lab methodologies . Clean Eng Technol 3: 100131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2021.100131

[9] Dhir, Ravindra K., Moray D (2012) Newlands, and Kenneth W. Paine . Concrete Sustainability. CRC Press.

[10] Nilimaa J (2023) Smart materials and technologies for sustainable concrete construction. Dev Built Environ 2023: 100177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100177

[11] Feenstra R C, Inklaar R, Timmer M P (2015) The next generation of the Penn World Table. Am Econ Rev 105: 3150-3182. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20130954

[12] Max Roser (2013) Economic Growth Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: https://ourworldindata.org/economic-growth

[13] Blengini G A, Garbarino E (2010) Resources and waste management in Turin (Italy): the role of recycled aggregates in the sustainable supply mix. J Clean Prod 18: 1021-1030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.01.027

[14] Liu Z, Meng W (2021) Fundamental understanding of carbonation curing and durability of carbonation-cured cement-based composites: A review. J CO2 Util 44: 101428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2020.101428

[15] Zhang D, Ghouleh Z, Shao Y (2017) Review on carbonation curing of cement-based materials. J CO2 Util 21: 119-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2017.07.003

[16] Jain M S . A mini review on generation, handling, and initiatives to tackle construction and demolition waste in India. Environ Technol Inno 22: 101490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101490

[17] Tezeswi T P, MVN S K (2022) Implementing construction waste management in India: An extended theory of planned behaviour approach. Environ Technol Inno 27: 102401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2022.102401

[18] Hertwich E G (2021) Increased carbon footprint of materials production driven by rise in investments. Nat Geosci 14: 151-155.

[19] Shi C, Li Y, Zhang J, et al. (2016) Performance enhancement of recycled concrete aggregate-a review. J Clean Prod 112: 466-472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.08.057

[20] Younis K H, Pilakoutas K (2013) Strength prediction model and methods for improving recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater 49: 688-701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.09.000

[21] Gomes M, de Brito J (2009) Structural concrete with incorporation of coarse recycled concrete and ceramic aggregates: durability performance. Mater Struct 42: 663-675. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-008-9411-9

[22] Chen Y, Liu P, Yu Z (2018) Effects of environmental factors on concrete carbonation depth and compressive strength. Materials 11: 2167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11112167

[23] He P, Shi C, Poon C S (2018) Methods for the assessment of carbon dioxide absorbed by cementitious materials[M]// Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Cementitious Construction Materials. Woodhead Publishing, 2018: 103-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102444-7.00006-X

[24] Gomes H C, Reis E D, Azevedo R C, et al. (2023) Carbonation of Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste Applied to Concrete: A Review. Buildings 13: 1097. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041097

[25] Gomes R I, Farinha C B, Veiga R, et al. (2021) CO2 sequestration by construction and demolition waste aggregates and effect on mortars and concrete performance-An overview. Renew Sust Energ Rev 152: 111668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111668

[26] Xiao J, Zhang H, Tang Y, et al. (2022) Fully utilizing carbonated recycled aggregates in concrete: Strength, drying shrinkage and carbon emissions analysis. J Clean Prod 377: 134520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134520

[27] Wang T, Li K, Liu D, et al. (2022) Estimating the carbon emission of construction waste recycling using grey model and life cycle assessment: a case study of Shanghai. Int J Environ Res Public Health 19: 8507. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148507

[28] Liu H, Guo R, Tian J, et al. (2022) Quantifying the carbon reduction potential of recycling construction waste based on life cycle assessment: a case of Jiangsu province. Int J Environ Res Public Health 19: 12628. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912628