Name
Breaking Paradigms: Carbon Sequestration, a new approach to Concrete Masonry and Concrete.
Date & Time
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Luis Baquerizo Ibarra Heidi Jandris
Description

Attendees will explore how design choices affect the carbon intensity of concrete assemblies and we will highlight co-benefits in resiliency, thermal mass and circularity. Concrete naturally absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere over its lifetime through a chemical process called carbonation, converting the gas into solid calcium carbonate. Recent industry research on concrete masonry carbonation rates reveals accelerated sequestration rates due to its unique manufacturing process. Carbon sequestration is reported in the concrete masonry 2025 industry average EPD, for both Cradle-to-Gate (A1-A3), and early Use Phase (B1) which can be incorporated into Whole Building LCA. We will review simple LCA case studies of structural masonry assemblies, highlighting sequestration, durability and longevity of in the Use stage. Lastly, we will look at the newly developed Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association’s (CMHA) carbon calculator which helps designers determine the embodied carbon intensity of concrete masonry assemblies.