Engineering Techniques For Reducing Carbon Footprint

Excited to share two of our recent publications on concrete materials, completed in collaboration with Lisa Colosi Peterson, PhD, environmental engineering professor in the UVA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Gabriel Arce, research scientist at the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC). Our first study, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, investigates how life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic assessment (TEA) can quantify reductions in global warming potential (GWP) achieved through innovative concrete mixtures or production techniques. Using a case study focused on graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as functional fillers, we explored three LCA framings—each employing different functional units and system boundaries—and examined how these choices impact the sustainability assessment of new concrete technologies. 50-days free access: https://lnkd.in/eddJ9Dev Permanent link: https://lnkd.in/eTGaqVPX Our second study, published in Journal of Building Engineering, explores the potential to reduce the environmental footprint of 3D-printed concrete by replacing cement with calcined clay. We analyzed the effects of calcined clay on the rheological and mechanical properties of 3D-printable mixtures and conducted a comparative environmental impact assessment of these mixes. Permanent link: https://lnkd.in/ednRzw_E

What if redesigning something as simple as an electric kettle could make a difference for our planet? The global electric kettle market was valued at ~ USD 20 billion in 2023. In a case study on the standard electric kettle, massive improvements were made using the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies to help increase energy efficiency that could be applied to this massive global market. What is DFSS? In short: these are a set of methodologies used in product/process design to achieve the highest quality and customer satisfaction. And yet, it is harmonious with sustainable design. Here's how this common appliance was redesigned for energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability: ☕️ Sleek stainless steel construction instead of plastic ⛽️ Innovative flat heating element that cuts electricity usage 💧 Inner water chamber that prevents the outer surface from heating up ♻️ Fully recyclable materials 💡 Intuitive temperature to control boiling water precisely Using DFSS principles, the redesigned kettle: ✅Nearly halved its carbon footprint ✅Reduced total energy consumed from 960 MJ to 340 MJ ✅Reduced air acidification 💥While still significantly reducing the cost per product and assembly time! Smart design practices make a difference, to both our commercial needs and the environment. More everyday products can balance user needs, business viability, and environmental responsibility. What other sustainable design methodologies do you follow? Which products do you think can be improved? Share below!

It turns out the path to net zero is not all that complicated after all - what if we were to just implement the tried & true practices that have been proven to work? Whether you’re trying to achieve passive house certification, exceed building codes, optimize energy efficiency, or reduce overall carbon impact, there are principles that remain consistent across the board: ◾️Building envelope commissioning - verifying the as built product in the field for weather tightness. ◾️Addressing interface details - ensuring all those tricky transitions have been accounted for. ◾️Mitigating thermal bridging at spandrel areas - analyzing any penetrations and/or obstructions in the assembly to optimize effective R value. ◾️Utilizing thermally efficient assemblies - cast in place concrete and aluminum windows are not the devil - the greater impact is in effectiveness of the system design, assembly, and installation. Let’s not try to reinvent the wheel - let’s improve upon what we already know works.