Cosmo-local value networks for carbon-capturing magnesium cement

Centre for multidisciplinary research: Kvantum
Faculty: Technology

The construction sector produces 23% of CO2 emissions of the global economics activities. 5-8% of global greenhouse gases are emitted in the production of cement, the binder used in the concrete. Magnesium carbonate cements are an emerging class of cements that capture CO2 during hardening, which provides benefits in terms of long-term carbon capture and utilization. However, technical research alone is not sufficient to achieve sustainable construction. Therefore, new technological solutions must be complemented with novel value networks that are based on CE principles. These new value networks aim to reduce the demand for virgin raw materials, utilize side streams that are currently considered waste, reuse and upcycle existing materials and resources, as well as increase local material circulation to avoid unnecessary transportation.

To ensure the use of the best global technologies and solutions in local production there is a need to understand how the principles of cosmo-localism can be exploited in the new value networks. Cosmo-local value networks apply a “design global, produce local” principle, and assume that the information access should be open and knowledge sharing global, whereas the production is locally distributed. This project focuses on the following research problem: How to create cosmo-local (design global, produce local) value networks for carbon-capturing magnesium cement? Value network, stakeholder and dynamic capabilities theories, a qualitative research approach, literature reviews, and mixed methods are utilized in the research project. The project collaborates closely with other researchers in InStreams research hub and the Kvantum Institute's CARBO-CEM project.

Doctoral Researcher Sudeep Parajuli
Email: Sudeep.Parajuli at oulu.fi