CAN BUILDING INTEGRATED CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGIES BE PART OF A SOLUTION TO MEET OUR 1.5° C CLIMATE TARGET?

The study was based on manufacturer data (the unit is installed on various sites). We used the CIBSE TM65 methodology for embodied carbon calculations. Net carbon balance as well as net cost balance over the whole lifecycle were calculated.

We found out that the technology can reduce carbon emissions when the grid is decarbonised. Net carbon savings can only occur if it is installed in a place with a grid carbon factor below 0.11 kgCO2e/kWh.

The technology has the potential to improve significantly from both a cost and carbon perspective in the next 5 years. It will require the manufacturer to downsize the equipment (reduce embodied carbon) and improve the energy efficiency. The fact that the technology is widely scalable (only requires space provision in plantroom) makes it all the more interesting.

Factoring potential revenues of this technology (selling carbon or improve productivity) could make it a more financially viable unit in the future.