In its latest construction material carbon management measure, Meta Platforms has committed to financing a collaboration enabling deployment of CarbiCrete concrete masonry unit production technology at Ontario-based Canal Block, and expanding capacity at Quebec peer Patio Drummond, charter CarbiCrete operator. The CarbiCrete method lowers carbon dioxide emissions tied to concrete by replacing portland cement with steel slag-derived binder and mineralizing atmospheric CO2 for permanent storage in CMUs.
San Francisco climate solutions provider 3Degrees Inc., an established CarbiCrete partner for assuring and monetizing CO2 emission reductions, will oversee the Canal Block and Patio Drummond CMU carbon metric quantification and verification. “The accelerated implementation of our technology will have an immediate impact, reducing emissions in the concrete value chain, while making cement-free concrete materials available to the construction industry,” says CarbiCrete CEO Jacob Homiller.
“Decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like concrete is an important part of our strategy to achieve net zero emissions across our value chain in 2030,” adds Meta Platforms Head of Net Zero Strategy Devon Lake. “Collaborating with organizations like CarbiCrete, who have meaningfully made progress in this sector, is instrumental to accelerate the implementation of this technology and drive results.”
“This work demonstrates the potential for utilizing carbon finance to drive deep supply chain decarbonization,” concludes 3Degrees Vice President, Carbon Markets Mark Mondik. “We are thrilled to leverage our technical expertise and experience in environmental markets to make this transaction a reality.”
COMMERCIALIZATION MILESTONE
The Aecon Innovation and Training Center in Holland Landing, Ontario, is the first structure built with CarbiCrete CMUs and Lafarge Canada’s ECOpact low-carbon concrete. Patio Drummond provided the CMUs, while Innocon, a Lafarge Canada subsidiary in the Toronto market, delivered the ECOpact loads. The facility is a major workforce development project of Toronto-based heavy/civil construction giant, Aecon Group Inc.
“We are excited to collaborate with Lafarge and CarbiCrete in testing low-carbon concrete and cement-free concrete blocks, taking an important step toward advancing sustainability in the construction industry,” says Aecon Vice President, Sustainability Prabh Banga. “By combining our expertise, we are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation but also addressing the challenges of carbon emissions in the built environment.”
”We’re proud to lead the way in sustainable construction by delivering innovative low-carbon building solutions to our customers,” adds Lafarge Canada (East) Vice President, Concrete Andy Unger. “Collaboration with Aecon and CarbiCrete in Holland Landing exemplifies commitment to our NetZero journey. Together with like-minded partners, we’re demonstrating how collective action can drive progress for people and the planet.”