GCO2M aims to use grassland biomass as the basis for future building materials. The underlying hypothesis is that grass-based materials can reduce carbon emissions by substituting conventional, energy-intensive materials while increasing carbon storage through long-lived building elements. The project aims to increase photosynthetically efficient and sustainably sourced biogenic materials in the built environment, increase the CO2 sequestration potential of the available land area in Denmark and develop higher-value building materials with thermal and acoustic properties based on grass composite characteristics.
The project investigates and quantifies the carbon capture potential of different agromanagement systems for perennial and temporary grassland for green biorefineries and develops new processing methods combining protein extraction with fibre production. It also develops new lignin-based adhesives for grass-based fibres, including processing methods for chemically modifying cellulosic grass fibres for composites. Furthermore, the project investigates new analysis, design and fabrication methods for grass-lignin building composites with specified structural, thermal and acoustic properties and assesses the budgetary and socio-economic perspectives of replacing conventional building materials with grass-based alternatives, from farmer to consumer.
GCO2M is expected to deliver multiple environmental, societal and economic benefits, including: