Making Roman concrete produces as much CO2 as modern concrete

The article discusses the environmental impact of Roman concrete production compared to modern concrete. According to the findings, the manufacturing of Roman concrete generates as much, if not more, carbon dioxide (CO2) as modern concrete. However, the production of Roman concrete results in fewer air pollutants. The research suggests that the process of making Roman concrete, which involves heating limestone and mixing it with volcanic ash, is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions. This is similar to the production of modern concrete, which also relies on the heating of limestone and other materials. Despite the comparable CO2 output, the article notes that the production of Roman concrete may be less polluting in terms of other air pollutants. This could be due to the different chemical compositions and manufacturing methods used in the two types of concrete. The findings challenge the common perception that ancient Roman construction techniques were more environmentally friendly than modern methods. The article highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of various building materials and construction processes.