Alithic, a spinoff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has developed a process that turns coal ash and excess carbon dioxide into a durable, environmentally friendly building material called supplementary cementitious material (SCM). This innovative material can replace traditional Portland cement, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By pulling carbon dioxide from the air and mixing it with industrial wastes, Alithic's process creates a carbon-negative product that has the potential to transform waste streams into profitable solutions for the construction industry.
Category: Buildings
Cut Emissions:
– Shift Energy Sources
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C40 cities are taking action
City leaders from C40 cities are sharing bold solutions to the climate crisis at the World Mayors Summit 2025, focusing on cutting emissions, redesigning public spaces, and creating fairer, more resilient communities. A joint assessment from GCoM and C40 Cities shows strong growth in local climate implementation, with companies like Amazon, DHL Supply Chain, and Scania taking action supported by initiatives like Laneshift. The overall goal is to secure a fair and livable future for all through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
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Cement Has a Serious Emissions Problem. This Startup is Solving It
Massachusetts startup Sublime Systems has developed a new cement production system, Sublime Cement, that eliminates the use of fossil fuels and carbon-heavy limestone, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of cement production. Meeting the ASTM Code C1157 standard, Sublime Cement has a lower global warming potential compared to Ordinary Portland Cement, gaining support from leading companies like Microsoft. The building industry is shifting towards sustainable products, with Sublime's distribution channel partner program connecting contractors with low-carbon materials. Despite challenges, new decarbonization pathways such as calcined clay and photosynthetic microalgae are emerging globally, indicating a growing trend towards sustainable cement production.
https://triplepundit.com/2025/sublime-systems-cement-carbon-dioxide-emissions/
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The 1072 West Peachtree tower in Atlanta, now the tallest structure on the planet built with carbon-mineralized concrete supplied by Thomas Concrete, showcases the potential for lower embodied carbon in construction. This milestone demonstrates that carbon-mineralized concrete can deliver performance, reliability, and carbon reductions for large-scale projects, offering a pragmatic solution to reduce concrete's carbon footprint. The success of this project using CarbonCure technology validates the mission to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete on a large scale, highlighting the importance of sustainability and innovation in the construction industry. This development has the potential to revolutionize the industry's approach to sustainability in various construction projects worldwide.
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RMI and Third Derivative Advance Cooling Innovations to Combat Global Heat Crisis
Third Derivative and RMI are collaborating to advance passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) solutions to address the increasing cooling demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from traditional air conditioning. These technologies have the potential to lower indoor temperatures sustainably and affordably without electricity. Pilot projects in the US and India, supported by partners like the Autodesk Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, will test the performance, affordability, and scalability of PDRC products. RMI's Global Cooling Initiative focuses on sustainable cooling solutions, while Third Derivative's Global Cooling Innovations page offers more information on innovative cooling solutions. Together, these efforts are crucial for expanding access to zero-energy cooling solutions in heat-vulnerable regions and advancing towards a more equitable climate future.
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‘When finance flows, ambition grows”: COP30’s call for action
At COP30, discussions highlighted the crucial role of financial mobilization in addressing the climate crisis, with the UN General Assembly President emphasizing the need for up to $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance to reach vulnerable countries. Renewable energy, particularly solar power, has emerged as the fastest-growing and cheapest energy source globally. Climate finance is seen as the "lifeblood" of climate action, capable of turning plans into progress and ambition into implementation. The UN climate chief stresses the importance of demonstrating that climate cooperation is working, as investments made now can shape the growth story of the 21st century, creating jobs, lowering living costs, improving health outcomes, protecting communities, and securing a more resilient, prosperous planet for all. This message is being delivered at COP30 in Belém to drive home the importance of financial support in achieving climate solutions.
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How are the big wind, solar and battery projects that won CIS deals doing on benefit sharing?
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia is a $70 billion government initiative focused on accelerating investment in clean energy projects, with a strong emphasis on including First Nations people and communities. The CIS incorporates social and First Nations outcomes into its merit criteria and makes them contractually binding, with the First Nations Clean Energy Network tracking progress of 59 awarded projects in areas where First Nations have rights and interests. Proponents of CIS projects are required to actively engage with impacted First Nations communities to ensure equitable participation and benefit sharing, as the government is committed to ensuring First Nations have equitable opportunities, benefit-sharing, and self-determination in the energy transition.
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Sunbolt Is Leading On Solar Power Workstations At Educational Campuses
Sunbolt is a company specializing in solar-powered workstations and charging stations, providing reliable off-grid power solutions for vulnerable communities. Their products, including solar tables, seating areas, and charging hubs, run entirely on clean solar energy and have been installed in multiple states and countries. Each workstation generates between 700 watts and 1.4 kilowatts of solar power, helping organizations meet sustainability goals and cut carbon footprints. The units are easy to set up, self-ballasted, and require a flat surface with good sunlight. Overall, Sunbolt's workstations contribute to sustainability certifications and offer a practical solution for clean energy needs.
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Renewables giant China nears peak emissions, Beijingers see mountain peaks for first time in decades
The Global Carbon Project's annual Global Carbon Budget reveals a slight rise in carbon emissions in 2025, putting the world on track to hit the 1.5°C warming limit within four years. China, the world's biggest polluter, is showing signs of reaching peak emissions or plateauing, driven by a unique mix of motivating factors including economic and business advantages from clean energy. The importance of reducing emissions and supporting renewable energy technologies to combat global warming is emphasized, with China's success in decarbonization positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy production. The article warns against downplaying the importance of climate action based on a country's proportionate contribution to global emissions and highlights Australia's transition to renewable energy as an economic opportunity. The overall message is to learn from China's example and take advantage of cheap opportunities for zero emissions energy.
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“A clear decline:” IEA says faster transition to renewables equals lower household prices
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends accelerating the adoption of renewable energy to lower household power prices, as it has been proven to be more cost-effective in the long run despite higher upfront costs. The IEA also dispels the myth that wind and solar energy sources are less reliable than fossil fuels, emphasizing that reduced dependence on fossil fuels can shield against market price shocks. South Australia and Western Australia serve as examples of grids remaining stable with a high percentage of renewable energy. Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare underscores the benefits of supporting renewables, noting their rapid growth and falling prices as a win-win for both people's wallets and the climate. The IEA's report stresses the need for significant investments in grid infrastructure to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources, as efforts to stabilize energy prices are faltering and demand for LNG and oil is declining while renewables become more competitive.