Stockholm paving pilot could save 150 tons of CO2

Three experimental concrete slab types, including one using carbon-capture cement technology, will be installed on a Stockholm street as the city seeks scalable solutions to cut construction emissions, with project leaders expecting costs to fall as production volumes increase.

The City of Stockholm will test three new types of concrete slabs on a section of Ynglingagatan. The city will also test a construction method where sidewalks are built without asphalt reinforcement underneath.

Stockholm estimates climate savings of 4 tons of carbon dioxide compared to conventional methods.

“We have analyzed which measures provide the greatest climate benefit for the money in upcoming parts of the Hagastaden project. Climate-smart concrete slabs provide good returns,” says Mónica Nunes, construction project manager at the City of Stockholm.

The new slabs contain slag and fly ash, reducing cement requirements. One slab type uses cement with carbon-capture technology, enabling net-zero climate impact.

Cost premium

The test slabs are 30 to 50 percent more expensive than conventional slabs. Hagastaden has received central climate investment funds from the city to carry out the test.

“As a major procurer, we have a responsibility to lead the way and jointly develop new solutions to reduce the climate impact of what we build,” says Nunes.

Prices are expected to decrease when production scales up.

If successful, the city expects savings of 150 tons of carbon dioxide when constructing sidewalks and other surfaces in eastern Hagastaden.