Japanese construction firm Shimizu Corporation, in partnership with Nippon Road, has started mixing biochar with asphalt mix in the hope of developing decarbonised pavements.
Biochar is derived from wood and has been proven to be effective in sequestering carbon dioxide.
The partnership aims to develop a carbon-negative paving material that absorbs more carbon internally than all the CO2 emissions associated with the production of the mix.
Biochar made from sawdust will be used as a substitute for sand and stone powder in the composite mix.
The material can absorb and fixes 2.3 grams of CO2 per kilogram, according to the partnership.
They say that carbon negativity can be achieved by mixing a minimum of 25 kg of powdered or granulated biochar per ton of composite material.
The two companies say they plan to conduct on-site testing to verify the workability and durability of the biochar mix, before applying it to road pavements.
The partnership is aiming for actual use by March 2024.
Image: Wikimedia
Read next: Hong Kong Polytechnic University researchers break world record with organic solar cells
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.