Ashes of Pinus spp. and the clean development mechanism: certified emissions reductions and carbon credits

Abstract

The use of Pinus spp. as mineral addition or partial replacement of Portland cement, can provide the mitigation of CO₂ emissions and the obtaining of carbon credits, through the clean development mechanism. This work assessed the potential for reducing CO₂ emissions, through two approaches. The first approach used the ACM 0005 UNFCCC methodology, in a scenario to assess the feasibility of implementing a clean development mechanism project - CDM, covering the State of Paraná, using the ashes of Pinus spp. in partial replacement of clinker, in the production of Portland cement. The second approach analyzed the potential for reducing CO₂ emissions, covering the Brazilian territory, using the ashes of Pinus spp. in partial replacement of Portland cement in the mixing of concrete, mortar and pastes. Elevations in CO₂ emissions were observed due to the increase in the average distances in the transport of ash, in both approaches (128 km and 100 km, respectively). Even so, in the overall emission balances, reduction potentials were observed (10,800 t and 20,546 t of CO₂, respectively). The results obtained allowed inferring the feasibility of implementing CDM projects and obtaining carbon credits through certified emission reductions - CERs.

Keywords:
Reduction of CO₂ emissions; Mitigation of environmental impacts; Pozzolanic mineral addition