Daewoo Engineering & Construction announced on the 14th that it will pursue ‘Carbon Credit’ certification, which is the first construction company to recognize carbon reduction performance, based on the performance of on-site casting application of the new ‘Carbon Reduction Pre-Strengthened Concrete’ developed with Halla Cement.
The carbon-reducing early-strength concrete developed in 2022 reduces cement usage by an average of 112kg/㎥ compared to existing concrete in a room temperature curing environment, achieving a CO emission reduction effect of about 54%, and at the same time uses ‘crude-steel slag cement’ to reduce cement use. It has the advantage of being 10 to 30% superior in early strength. Through this, Daewoo E&C resolved the problems of concrete strength delays and quality defects during the winter. This concrete was developed for the first time in Korea as a technology that can be applied to various buildings such as apartment complexes, based on the feature that it can be poured directly on site regardless of temperature or season.
Unlike the existing technology where pre-strengthened concrete is limited to some precast structures, Daewoo E&C’s ‘carbon-reduced pre-strengthened concrete’ is applicable to all construction structures and is expected to be of great help to the environment if its use expands. In fact, Daewoo E&C is currently applying it to six sites, including railroad construction and apartment construction.
In general, 245kg of cement (OPC standard, excluding admixtures) is used per 1㎥ of concrete used at domestic and overseas construction sites, so greenhouse gas emissions are considerable. In particular, ‘Type 1 Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)’, which is widely used as the main material for concrete, has been pointed out as a cause of climate change as approximately 0.8 tons of CO is emitted per ton of production.
Based on its experience in field application of this eco-friendly concrete, Daewoo E&C plans to obtain Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and low-carbon product certification implemented by the Ministry of Environment by the first half of 2025. This certification is a system that provides objective environmental information by evaluating the environmental impact of all processes from production, use, and disposal of products. Through this, Daewoo E&C plans to fulfill its social responsibilities and play a leading role in creating a sustainable construction culture.
In addition, Daewoo E&C is pursuing ‘Carbon Credit’ certification from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which recognizes carbon reduction performance based on the performance of applying cast-in-place concrete for the first time in the construction industry. Carbon credit is a system that recognizes greenhouse gas emission reduction performance as credit, and Daewoo E&C expects that it will be able to be used in the carbon trading market in the future.
A Daewoo E&C official said, “This technology development is significant in that it is an eco-friendly technology that can be applied at various construction sites regardless of the season.” He added, “As eco-friendly construction is becoming a necessity rather than an option, we will continue to work hard to achieve carbon neutrality in the future.” “We will research and apply eco-friendly technologies,” he said.
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Jeong Jin-su, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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Time.news Interview: Pioneering Carbon Reduction in Construction with Daewoo Engineering & Construction
Editor (Alex): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a groundbreaking development in eco-friendly construction. With me is Dr. Kim Jae-won, an expert in sustainable engineering and environmental impact. Thanks for joining us, Dr. Kim!
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me, Alex. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Alex: So, let’s get right into it. Daewoo Engineering & Construction recently announced their intention to pursue Carbon Credit certification. Why is this significant for the construction industry?
Dr. Kim: It’s quite significant for several reasons. First, the construction industry has traditionally been a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the extensive use of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Daewoo’s initiative is a clear indication that construction firms are beginning to take responsibility for their environmental impact and are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Alex: Absolutely. Their new ‘Carbon Reduction Pre-Strengthened Concrete’ utilizes less cement, which is a major breakthrough. Can you elaborate on how this technology works and the implications of reducing cement usage by such a significant amount?
Dr. Kim: Certainly! The new concrete mix reduces cement use by an average of 112kg per cubic meter in a standard curing environment. This reduction translates to a carbon dioxide emission decrease of about 54%. Moreover, using crude-steel slag cement not only further minimizes cement use but also enhances early strength, resolving common issues related to concrete curing in colder temperatures. This is crucial for maintaining construction schedules and quality, especially in diverse climate conditions.
Alex: That’s fascinating. It seems like a versatile solution. How do you see this concrete being applied across various construction projects?
Dr. Kim: The versatility of Daewoo’s concrete mix is one of its strongest points. Unlike traditional pre-strengthened concrete, which had limitations, this new formulation can be used across all types of constructions. Daewoo is currently applying it at multiple sites, including railroads and apartment complexes. If adopted widely, it could lead to a substantial reduction in overall emissions from construction projects.
Alex: And in terms of certifications, Daewoo plans to obtain Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and aims for low-carbon product certification by 2025. How important are these certifications for the industry and consumers?
Dr. Kim: Very important! EPDs provide transparent information about the environmental impact of products, from production through to disposal. This kind of transparency helps consumers, investors, and stakeholders make informed choices. Moreover, certifications like carbon credits encourage companies to innovate and invest in sustainable technologies, as they can benefit financially from their reduced emissions in carbon trading markets.
Alex: Speaking of carbon credits, Daewoo is also seeking recognition from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their carbon reduction performance. How does participation in carbon trading markets change the game for companies?
Dr. Kim: Participation in carbon trading introduces a financial incentive for reducing emissions. If Daewoo succeeds in obtaining these credits, it could monetize its eco-friendly initiatives, creating a sustainable business model that aligns economic growth with environmental stewardship. This shift could motivate other firms to follow suit, accelerating the industry’s transition toward greener practices.
Alex: It’s clear that Daewoo E&C is at the forefront of an essential shift in construction practices. What message do you hope this sends to the rest of the industry and future builders?
Dr. Kim: My hope is that this sets a precedent for other companies to prioritize sustainability as a core principle, rather than a secondary concern. As environmental issues become more pressing, embracing innovation in construction processes is crucial. The industry has the potential to make a significant impact on climate change, and every step towards sustainability counts.
Alex: Well said, Dr. Kim. It’s an exciting time for eco-friendly construction practices, and Daewoo E&C’s initiatives could indeed inspire a collective movement in the industry. Thank you for your insights today!
Dr. Kim: Thank you, Alex! It was a pleasure discussing these developments with you.
Alex: And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on innovations that can shape a sustainable future!