What is Grey Carbon?
Rebekkah Swisher, VP of Sustainability at Partanna Global, explains the concept of ‘Grey Carbon’
Can you explain what Grey Carbon is and how it differs from Blue and Green Carbon?
Grey Carbon refers to carbon that is removed from the atmosphere through the use of man-made technologies, such as our carbon negative concrete, as opposed to natural methods like those covered by Blue and Green Carbon. While Blue Carbon is associated with carbon removal through nature, such as carbon stored in oceans or forests, and Green Carbon refers to carbon removed through land-use practices, Grey Carbon focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of human-made technologies and products.
Why is it important to focus on Grey Carbon in addition to Blue and Green Carbon?
While natural methods of carbon removal are critical, the growing global population and the impact of climate change necessitate that we cannot solely rely on these methods to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The construction industry alone is responsible for a significant portion of global emissions, and cement production alone accounts for nearly all of the industry's emissions. By developing man-made technologies like Partanna concrete, we can reduce the carbon footprint of the industry while continuing to meet the demand for the built environment.
How does Partanna concrete deliver Grey Carbon?
Partanna concrete is a carbon negative building product that naturally captures and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This means that not only does it reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, but it also has the potential to remove more carbon dioxide than it emits during its lifecycle. By using Partanna concrete in construction projects, we can actively remove carbon from the atmosphere and reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.
Can you explain how Partanna concrete fits into the concept of a "circular Technosphere" and a "regenerative biosphere"?
Partanna concrete fits into the concept of a "circular Technosphere" because it is made from locally-sourced, recycled materials and has a long lifespan, which reduces waste and promotes circularity in the construction industry. Additionally, its carbon-negative properties allow it to contribute to the "regenerative biosphere" by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the concrete. By utilizing building products like Partanna concrete, we can create a more sustainable and regenerative built environment while reducing our impact on the natural world.
