The fight against climate change requires innovative solutions, and a new house in the Bahamas is pioneering one such solution. This house is built with an alternative concrete that actually removes CO2 from the air, making it a powerful tool in combating climate change. The mastermind behind this venture is none other than NBA Lakers legend-turned-actor, Rick Fox. As the CEO and co-founder of the sustainable building materials startup Partanna, Fox aims to not only build more houses like this one but also transform this alternative concrete into a mainstream building material. In this article, we will delve into the details of this groundbreaking innovation and explore its potential to reduce pollution from the construction industry.
For Rick Fox, this journey began with a personal connection to his home country of the Bahamas. Devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Fox witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by extreme weather events amplified by climate change. This experience led him to leave his career in Hollywood behind and dedicate himself to finding climate solutions. Concrete emerged as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and a primary target for innovative interventions. Cement, a key ingredient in concrete, is responsible for more than 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, Fox’s foray into the world of concrete was driven by a desire to innovate and address the urgent needs of his home country.
Rick Fox’s path crossed with California-based architect Sam Marshall, who was also searching for sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete. Together, they co-founded Partanna and developed a unique approach to concrete production that bypasses the use of carbon-intensive cement. While the specifics of their process remain undisclosed, the main ingredients consist of brine from desalination plants and a byproduct of steel production called slag. By eliminating cement from the equation, Partanna effectively reduces the carbon dioxide emissions associated with concrete production. Additionally, their mixture cures at ambient temperatures, minimizing energy consumption. Moreover, the binder ingredients in the mixture have the ability to absorb CO2 from the air and capture it within the material. Notably, even after a structure is demolished, the material retains the captured CO2 and can be reused to make more of this carbon-negative concrete.
While Partanna touts the carbon-negative properties of its alternative concrete, it’s important to evaluate the overall environmental impact of their approach. Carbon-counting with trees, for example, can present challenges, as demonstrated by a recent investigation by The Guardian. Forest offsets certified by Verra, a leading carbon credit certifier, were deemed “worthless” due to a lack of verifiable reductions in pollution. Partanna avoids these complications by quantifying the CO2 it captures with greater accuracy and reliability. Nevertheless, it is crucial for the company to share its data and undergo rigorous analysis to assess its environmental footprint comprehensively. Experts like Dwarak Ravikumar, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, emphasize the importance of evaluating Partanna’s strategy from a systems perspective to fully understand its climate impact.
Partanna is not alone in its pursuit of sustainable building materials. Microsoft, for instance, recently announced its testing of low-carbon concrete for its data centers. Additionally, other startups are exploring ways to capture CO2 from the atmosphere and incorporate it into concrete. Partanna, however, possesses a unique advantage. Its material is made with brine, which actually enhances its strength when exposed to seawater. This attribute is particularly valuable for a country like the Bahamas, composed of low-lying islands susceptible to severe storms and rising sea levels. Through its partnership with the Bahamian government, Partanna aims to build 1,000 homes, beginning with a community of 29 houses slated for completion by next year. Undoubtedly, this program has the potential to support first-time homeowners while making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions.
The new concrete developed by Partanna represents an innovative solution to combat climate change. By reducing the use of carbon-intensive cement and capturing CO2 from the air, this alternative concrete offers a compelling strategy to address the significant emissions associated with traditional construction materials. However, its efficacy and environmental impact need to be studied further and shared openly. As initiatives like this gain momentum, the world is on track to discover more sustainable and eco-friendly building materials. Through collaborations and relentless innovation, we can take significant steps towards a greener and more resilient future.
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