Harnessing the Technosphere: Construction and Household Items as Long-Term Carbon Storage

New YorkA recent study highlights a significant but overlooked role in carbon storage played by human-made products. Researchers from the University of Groningen, led by Klaus Hubacek and Franco Ruzzenenti, have found that around 400 million tons of fossil carbon are added annually to long-lasting items like plastics and buildings. This process is part of what some call the "technosphere." This sphere includes all things made by people, even those we discard.

The study shows that in 2011 alone, about 9% of the carbon extracted from fossil fuels was stored in durable goods instead of being released as CO2. This storage is equivalent to almost the same amount of CO2 the EU released in that year. The sectors with the highest fossil carbon accumulation include:

• Construction of buildings and infrastructure: 34%
• Rubber and plastic products: 30%
• Bitumen, used in roads and roofing: 24%
• Machinery and equipment: 16%

Between 1995 and 2019, around 8.4 billion tons of fossil carbon were locked in these human-made products. However, disposal practices present a challenge. Most of this carbon ends up in landfills, is incinerated, or turns into waste. Only a small fraction is recycled. Since some of these materials can last decades to centuries, efficient waste management is crucial to prevent environmental issues and further emissions.

The researchers suggest extending the life of products and increasing recycling as solutions. They also highlight the need for policies to reduce waste discharge from landfills. Future studies by the team will focus on biogenic carbon, such as wood, to explore other options for carbon storage in durable goods. These insights could shape new strategies in carbon sequestration, possibly by using materials derived from plants in construction.

Long-Term Storage

In understanding the potential of human-made objects to act as long-term carbon storage, it's important to recognize their role as a growing carbon sink. The study highlights the substantial accumulation of fossil carbon within the technosphere each year. This is the totality of human-made products, structures, and artifacts. These findings illustrate that a significant amount of carbon can be stored for the long term in human-made materials as long as they remain intact and do not degrade.

Consider this list of what makes up the technosphere:

• Buildings and infrastructure
• Plastics and other durable goods
• Rubber products
• Machinery and equipment

These materials, whether they are buildings or durable plastics, hold and store carbon over time. The key insight here is that unlike natural carbon sinks such as forests or oceans, these materials are not part of the natural ecosystems where carbon traditionally cycles through. Instead, they represent a form of storage created by our economies and daily lives.

However, with this potential comes challenges. The longevity of these carbon storage forms often depends on proper waste management. If items end up incinerated or improperly disposed of, they can contribute back to emissions, rather than acting as a net carbon sink. Therefore, increasing the lifespan and recycling rates of these materials becomes essential.

The study encourages a shift in thinking from focusing only on carbon emissions to also considering carbon stocks. It underscores the need for policies and practices focused on keeping these carbon stocks in place for as long as possible. The implications are significant. By enhancing recycling methods and resource management, it's possible to reduce the unnecessary release of carbon emissions and maximize the benefits of these stores.

Exploring the potential of biogenic carbon in durable goods, such as wood or other plant-based materials, could diversify sequestration strategies. This opens an additional avenue for cutting down emissions while expanding methods of long-term carbon storage.

Future Strategies

As we look to the future, it's clear that managing the carbon stored in our construction materials and household items is crucial. The study highlights several strategies to harness the potential of the technosphere as a carbon sink while mitigating environmental hazards. Here are some actions we can take:

• Increase product lifetimes: Design products and buildings to last longer to keep carbon locked in longer.
• Boost recycling rates: Improve recycling processes to convert waste into new products, reducing the need for new carbon inputs.
• Develop better waste management practices: Enhance landfill management to reduce emissions and pollution.
• Promote the use of biogenic materials: Consider materials like wood for construction, which can store carbon naturally.

These strategies address both the storage potential of the technosphere and its environmental implications. By increasing the lifespan and recycling of materials, we can reduce the amount of fossil carbon entering waste streams. This reduces the pressure on landfills and minimizes emissions from incineration.

The use of biogenic materials offers an interesting alternative strategy. Materials sourced from plants, such as wood, can provide a renewable means of storing carbon. They bring the added benefit of being part of a natural carbon cycle, which fossil-derived products do not.

Effective policies are also key. Regulations that encourage longer product lifespans and better recycling can make these strategies more effective. Governments and industries need to collaborate to create rules that support sustainable practices. Small changes, like improving the durability of everyday products and making recycling accessible, can accumulate to make a significant impact.

The study from the University of Groningen shows the need to consider how we manage the carbon stored in our buildings and goods. By integrating these strategies, we can not only store carbon but also create a more sustainable interaction with our environment.