A groundbreaking pedestrian bridge has been constructed in the Netherlands, showcasing the potential of CO2-neutral concrete. Developed by Dutch construction firm Heijmans in collaboration with climate technology company Paebbl, this bridge is touted as the first of its kind, utilizing innovative materials that significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Located in a notable area of the Netherlands, the 7-metre-long bridge is built with a concrete mix that replaces a substantial portion of traditional materials with carbon-storing and recycled alternatives. By incorporating Paebbl‘s CO2-mineralizing material alongside biochar and recycled aggregates, the project has achieved a concrete composition that contains no primary sand or gravel, relying on 75 percent circular raw materials. This innovative approach demonstrates that structural concrete can be produced without contributing to climate change.
Meeting all structural strength requirements, the bridge’s unique concrete mix includes a 30 percent reduction in traditional cement. This modification results in an embodied carbon reduction of nearly 30 percent relative to a low-carbon reference concrete. Such advancements are crucial, as cement production accounts for approximately 8 percent of global carbon emissions, making it one of the most carbon-intensive materials.
At the forefront of this initiative, Nick Vervoort, Innovation Manager at Heijmans, emphasized the importance of addressing the climate crisis through innovation. He stated, “This bridge proves that carbon-neutral structural concrete is not a future aspiration; it’s achievable today. For the first time, CO2-neutral concrete has been poured using an innovative mix of materials: Paebbl, biochar, and recycled concrete.”
The concrete used in the bridge not only meets performance standards but also locks away carbon dioxide permanently. The structure sequesters nearly 66 kg of CO2 within the bridge deck, pushing the concrete mix to full CO2 neutrality.
Ana Luisa Vaz, Vice President of Products at Paebbl, noted that achieving a 30 percent cement replacement rate in structural concrete represents a significant milestone. She remarked, “This demonstration pedestrian bridge shows that carbon-storing materials aren’t just viable for decorative or non-structural uses; they’re ready for real infrastructure.”
The project involved a consortium of Dutch and European partners. HCM Cement contributed the cement formulation, while Van der Kamp B.V. managed concrete production. CarStorCon Technologies integrated biochar, and Urban Mine supplied the recycled aggregates. Together, these partners are setting a new benchmark for circular, carbon-neutral structural concrete.
Moving beyond this showcase project, Paebbl claims its materials can permanently store up to 300 kg of CO2 for every 1,000 kg produced, while also reducing embodied carbon in construction by up to 30 percent. The successful completion of this bridge signals a shift towards a future where infrastructure can serve as long-term carbon sinks rather than significant carbon emitters.
This innovative effort highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices within the construction industry and reflects a broader commitment to tackling climate change through technology and collaboration.
