Aswathy Rajendran, Cohort 5 student, recently attended the Summer School on Carbon Storage in Net Zero Construction Products, hosted by the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Zagreb on the beautiful island of Zlarin, Croatia. Aswathy’s research focuses on focuses on exploring the carbon sequestration potential of construction materials to develop net zero concrete.
The summer school programme offered an in-depth exploration of mineral carbonation and its potential in carbon sequestration. Structured around four key sessions, the event covered:
- Industrial Perspective session provided insights into the types of carbon-sequestering products that are currently in demand within the construction industry.
- Scientific Foundation session introduced the concept of mineral carbonation as a carbon sequestration strategy, with a strong focus on characterisation techniques for evaluating its effectiveness.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) session explored the integration of dynamic LCA and CO₂ uptake within the system boundaries, providing tools to holistically assess the environmental impact of net zero products.
- Commercialisation Pathways session discussed how innovative net zero products can move from lab to market, addressing both technical and business challenges.
The programme also included a group pitch session, where students proposed novel net zero products or techniques, applying what they learned to real-world challenges.
"Overall, the summer school was extremely valuable, offering a 360-degree view of mineral carbonation as a promising strategy for permanent carbon sequestration. Each session directly aligned with key milestones I have planned for the coming years of my PhD, and the in-depth discussions significantly helped me refine my research vision and establish a stronger foundational understanding of the field." - Aswathy Rajendran