Baking Soda: A Game-Changer in Reducing Concrete's Carbon Footprint

MIT researchers have discovered that adding sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, to concrete during the early stages of mixing could reduce the material's carbon footprint by up to 15%. The addition of the household ingredient helps to produce carbonates during mixing and pouring, which could dramatically reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere during production. The resulting concrete sets much more quickly via the formation of a previously undescribed composite phase, without impacting its mechanical performance. This process allows construction to be more productive, as form works can be removed earlier, reducing the time required to complete a building or bridge.