NEUSTARK: 1 MILLION TONS OF CO2 REMOVED BY 2030
The challenge
The construction industry is currently responsible for a whopping 38% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Even more alarming, the amount of demolished concrete, which happens to be the world’s largest waste stream, is doubling every decade. But fear not, we’re on a mission to change all of that! We’re teaming up with the most cutting-edge startups across the globe and completely reimagining how we do business.
The solution
Demolished concrete is the perfect CO2 sink, with the capacity to absorb as much as 60 kg of CO2 per ton. It’s a natural CO2 sink, that though takes a very long time. Neustark, a Swiss carbon removal provider, has developed and deployed a technology that accelerates this process immensely. And rolled out a value chain from capturing biogenic CO2 at point source sites such as biogas plants, then transporting it to nearby storage sites at concrete recycling plants where their technology mineralizes the CO2 into demolition concrete – thus binding it permanently. Since the CO2 is of biogenic nature, the CO2 – that would have otherwise been emitted into the atmosphere – is removed permanently, hence creating so-called negative emissions.
By combining neustark’s state-of-the-art carbon storage technology with recycled concrete, we’re harnessing CO2 to craft building materials that are not only more robust and resilient but also significantly greener.
The Result
The implementation started in Switzerland, where Holcim’s concrete recycling process underwent a transformation using neustark’s innovative process. Thus, we are removing CO2 from the air to greatly contribute to our net zero transition.
Our successful pilot project confirmed the scalability of this technology and its related business model focused on certified green concrete and permanent carbon removal. It’s a win-win for all partners involved, and, ultimately, a big win for our climate.
Holcim Switzerland applied this technology to the forward-looking Zephyr Ost construction project, saving an impressive 71 tons of CO2 – equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 3,500 trees – using 4,200 cubic meters of ECOPact Recarb, an advanced recycled concrete. With ECOPact Recarb, we’re advancing our ECOPact portfolio, the industry’s broadest range of eco-friendly concrete.
Founders: Valentin Gutknecht & Johannes Tiefenthaler
By collaborating with neustark, we want to be a part of their ambitious mission: permanently removing one million tons of CO2 by 2030!
Tobias Sugg
Head Of RMX Performance, Holcim Switzerland and Italy
“With neustark, we are pioneering circularity in the construction industry, showing that recycled and reinforced materials can be just as good as new – and even better. Successfully implemented in Switzerland, we are ready to deploy this solution globally, creating a win-win solution for all – our industry, our customers and communities, and the planet.”
Valentin Gutknecht
Co-Founder and CEO, neustark
“We know that carbon removal is indispensable for our climate goals. But it is a nascent industry, and needs to scale up rapidly to meet the needs. Neustark has quickly established itself as the market leader in carbon removal via mineralization, also thanks to great partners like Holcim that have deployed our technology. Holcim and neustark extending their partnership with this a landmark investment and collaboration agreement will help us exponentially grow our joint climate impact in this decade already, storing hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 permanently.”
Together, neustark and Holcim are poised to reshape the future of the construction industry, delivering substantial environmental benefits and creating a win-win solution for partners, clients, and, ultimately, our beloved planet!
