CO₂ Use & Sink
Mining the Atmosphere develops innovative strategies to increase the efficiency and capacity of CO₂ sequestration.
Boosting durability and carbon storage of wood materials
To further exploit the potential of wood for carbon storage, Empa researchers are devising a method that offers a dual benefit: It supports the development of high-performance, biocide-free wood materials while enhancing CO₂ sequestration.
Project Leads: Prof. Dr. Ingo Burgert and Prof. Dr. Tanja Zimmermann
Enhancing carbon storage capacity in concrete
Because building materials account for the largest share of global material flows, Empa researchers are focusing on leveraging the potential to store solid carbon in concrete and asphalt. By using large amounts of carbon-rich, high-strength aggregates and fillers, the goal is to turn our infrastructure into a durable carbon sink while boosting climate-friendly construction.
Project Leads: Prof. Dr. Pietro Lura and Dr. Mateusz Wyrzykowski
Turning buildings into carbon sinks with novel construction materials
Together with its partners, Empa researchers are developing and testing innovative construction materials — such as CO₂-negative or CO₂-reduced concrete or insulation materials — that can permanently bind carbon. These solutions will be tested and demonstrated in the new Beyond.Zero, a new unit of NEST, Empa’s modular research and innovation building. The project also examines the global potential of these technologies and outlines concrete pathways for a gradual transformation of the construction industry toward climate neutrality. The Beyond.Zero unit is currently in the planning stage.
Project Leaders: Dr. Mateusz Wyrzykowski and Enrico Marchesi