In the heart of UCLA’s Boelter Hall stands a small, yet remarkable concrete block, measuring just one foot high. This unassuming object is part of a larger endeavor that has the potential to revolutionize the way we build and the way we approach climate change.
Meet Gaurav N. Sant, the Pioneer Behind the Concrete Block
Gaurav N. Sant, a Pritzker Professor of Sustainability at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and Director of UCLA’s Institute for Carbon Management, has dedicated his career to finding innovative solutions to mitigate climate change. Born and raised in India, Sant grew up surrounded by the country’s rich construction history, which instilled in him a passion for building and a desire to make a positive impact.
From Construction to Academia, A Journey of Discovery
Sant’s journey began in the Midwest, where he studied civil engineering at Purdue University, and later at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. As he delved deeper into his field, he became increasingly aware of the environmental threat posed by human activities, particularly in the construction sector.
Aligning with the Kyoto Protocol and a New Era of Sustainability
It was during this time that Sant became swept up in the excitement of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which challenged engineers to find new building methods to reduce greenhouse gases produced during construction. This sparked a sense of purpose in Sant, and he began to explore ways to make a meaningful impact.
Establishing the Institute for Carbon Management
In 2019, Sant played a key role in setting up the Institute for Carbon Management at UCLA, with the goal of de-risking and translating new technologies that would catalyze a low-carbon world. The institute has grown rapidly, with 22 patents and partnerships with top organizations, including the U.S. Department of Energy and industrial giants like Boeing.
Unlocking the Potential of Concrete
Sant and his team have been working on a new technology that decarbonizes concrete, a process that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. This breakthrough was achieved by combining seashells with carbon dioxide to create a more sustainable form of concrete.
Beyond concrete, Sant is also exploring other approaches to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce green hydrogen fuel. One such method involves passing an electrical current through seawater, a process known as electrolysis, which can enhance the oceans’ natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Sant believes that humanity can still avoid the climate catastrophe threatened by global warming, citing the success of COVID-19 vaccine development as a testament to the power of collective will and ingenuity. He emphasizes that it is the role of scientists and engineers to develop and scale up solutions to address climate issues, and that with the right approach, society can quickly adopt these solutions to resolve seemingly insurmountable challenges.
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) | A square block made of concrete, used in construction and now being repurposed as office furniture. |
| CarbonBuilt Inc. | A company that is commercializing the decarbonized concrete technology developed by Sant and his team. |
| Equatic Inc. | A company that is commercializing the seawater electrolysis technology developed by Sant and his team. |
| Broad Strokes of the Plan | Description |
|---|---|
| Remove >50% of embodied carbon footprint from concrete | Using a combination of seashells and carbon dioxide. |
| Enhance and accelerate natural carbon absorption by oceans | Through seawater electrolysis. |
| Deploy technology to remove ~5000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year in Singapore | Using the seawater electrolysis technology. |
As Gaurav N. Sant and his team continue to push the boundaries of sustainability, it is clear that the future of our planet depends on the success of their endeavors. By developing innovative technologies that can mitigate climate change, Sant is helping to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. With the power of collective will and ingenuity, humanity can still avoid the climate catastrophe threatened by global warming, and create a brighter future for generations to come.
