Microsoft wants to use hemp and algae to build sustainable buildings

Microsoft wants to build data centers and other buildings with materials like hemp and algae. The proposal aims to replace concrete (a material that accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions) with carbon-storing materials.

Here’s a fact: If the concrete industry were a country, it would emit more carbon than any other nation in the world except the US and China. Why? Because concrete is made at high temperatures that require a lot of energy and because it uses chemical reactions that produce CO2.

Meanwhile, research funded by Microsoft and conducted by the University of Washington’s Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) found that buildings could replace much of their concrete with natural materials like hemp, mushrooms, algae, and common soil.

According to the study, the six best chances of replacing the material are adobe bricks, concrete made from non-traditional cement, bricks and slabs made from algae or consciously grown fibers, and construction tubes made from mycelium (threads produced by fungi).

In addition, the company is committed to advocating low-carbon public policies.

“Investing in a proof of concept plan to bring new carbon storage technologies to market is in line with Microsoft’s environmental credentials and its commitment to reduce carbon emissions in its current operations by 2030 and up to Remove all carbon that has been emitted by the company in the past from the environment by 2050“Added the company in the report.

The report presents prototypes that will be made from sustainable materials by 2022.