Carbon Dioxide Sequestration

IN PAST EDITIONS OF CAA MAGAZINE, I often wrote about CAA’s emergency roadside services and how we prepare for the busy seasons to help keep you and your families safe. As we wrap up another hot summer, I wanted to share some of the things that we are doing at CAA in the area of climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) contributes to global warming, and it does so by absorbing the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by our sun. CO2 absorbs this infrared radiation because its asymmetrical molecular structure resonates at a frequency that is within the spectroscopy band of infrared light. In terms of the sources of CO2, the highest producing source is from industry while cement production is the second-highest source.

Cement production typically starts with crushed limestone which is also known as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When CaCO3 is heated to at least 900 C, calcium oxide (CaO) is extracted that is later used downstream in the final production of cement. However, during this process of extracting CaO from CaCO3, CO2 is produced as a by-product gas which is why cement production is the second-highest source of CO2 that contributes to global warming. As we are all aware, cement is used in every construction project on the planet, and as the planet’s growing population fuels more construction, the rise in cement production and CO2 also continues at an accelerating pace. Many may be wondering at this point, what can CAA do?

CAA Club Group also owns and operates the Echelon Insurance Company which underwrites specialty property and casualty insurance that includes commercial property insurance and technical risk engineering. When CO2 is injected into cement during its production, the CO2 actually increases the compressive strength of concrete resulting in less cement being required. More importantly, the CO2 is permanently sequestered to prevent it from being emitted into the atmosphere. One of the opportunities we are actively investigating is partnering with construction organizations who use CO2-injected cement in their projects. We are in the early stages of this work and look forward to sharing more details in the future. As our planet continues to get warmer with ever-rising sea levels, catastrophic storms become more severe and frequent which will affect every one of us. We hope that this innovation at CAA and Echelon will serve as a model for the insurance industry. On behalf of every caring CAA Associate, we wish you a safe autumn and thank you for your support of CAA.

Jay Woo

President & CEO

CAA Club Group of Companies