Revolutionizing Cement Production: A Carbon-Free Alternative: Discovering a rock that can replace limestone in cement production without emitting carbon offers hope for a more sustainable construction industry and emphasizes the importance of economically viable environmentally friendly technologies.
The production of cement contributes significantly to carbon emissions and climate change. Cement is a crucial building material, but the process of making it releases a substantial amount of carbon into the atmosphere. However, there is hope for a more environmentally friendly alternative. Cody Finke, the co-founder of Brimstone, discovered a rock that can replace limestone in cement production without emitting carbon when heated. This could potentially revolutionize the construction industry and reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, Cody's journey highlights the importance of not only developing technologies with environmental and social implications but also ensuring that they have a compelling economic case for widespread adoption. It is crucial to create sustainable businesses that can achieve scale and make a significant environmental impact.
Addressing the carbon emissions of cement production through innovation and chemistry-focused solutions.: Though cement production is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, there is hope for reducing its impact by finding innovative solutions and focusing on chemistry-related challenges.
The production of cement is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for about 8% of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the emissions from all cars worldwide. This is primarily due to the energy-intensive process and the use of limestone, which is currently the lowest-cost source of calcium for cement production. The problem is further compounded by the fact that there is no easy alternative to cement as a building material, making it a seemingly intractable issue. However, by focusing on the chemistry problems associated with cement production, there is a potential for innovation and creative solutions to reduce its carbon emissions and mitigate its impact on climate change.
Brimstone: Revolutionizing Cement Production to Reduce Carbon Emissions: Brimstone's innovative solution eliminates carbon emissions in cement production, tackling a significant environmental issue and contributing to sustainability in the industry.
The process of making cement, specifically Portland cement, leads to significant carbon emissions. The heat needed to transform limestone into calcium releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the global carbon cycle. This is a problem because limestone is a natural carbon sink, meaning it typically stores carbon for billions of years. By extracting limestone and heating it to high temperatures, humans are prematurely releasing CO2 and disturbing the carbon cycle, similar to the impact of burning fossil fuels. However, Cody Finke and his company, Brimstone, have developed a solution that eliminates carbon emissions in cement production, addressing a major environmental challenge in the industry.
The Importance of Alternative Sources in Cement Production: Utilizing abundant and economical alternative sources of calcium, such as limestone and gypsum, can reduce costs and maintain the strength of Portland cement, addressing climate change in the cement industry.
In order to quickly solve the problem of climate change in the cement industry, it is necessary to produce ordinary Portland cement. While creating a novel cement material may seem like an innovative solution, it faces significant challenges in terms of market adoption. Structural engineers, builders, and concrete providers prefer materials that are insured and familiar to avoid risks and construction delays. These delays and failures can be extremely costly. Therefore, the focus should be on finding alternative sources of calcium, such as limestone, gypsum, and calcium silicate, which are abundant and can be more economical in the modern economy. By producing cement from these sources, it can be lower in cost and still maintain the strength of Portland cement.
Revolutionizing Cement Production with Zero-Carbon Process: Brimstone eliminates 60% of emissions in cement production and aims to decarbonize other building materials, showcasing sustainable alternatives in high-emission industries.
Brimstone, founded by Cody Finke and Hugo Leandre, aims to revolutionize the cement industry by developing a zero-carbon process. By using calcium silicate rocks instead of limestone, they eliminate 60% of emissions right off the bat. Additionally, their process produces a magnesium-based waste product that actively sequesters carbon dioxide from the air, further reducing emissions. This waste product can be buried underground or used in various applications. The long-term goal for Brimstone is not only to eliminate carbon emissions from cement production but also to decarbonize other major emissions-producing building materials like aluminum and iron. This innovation shows that sustainable and climate-friendly alternatives can be achieved in industries traditionally associated with high carbon emissions.
Brimstone's carbon negative cement process aims to revolutionize the industry and reduce global carbon emissions.: Brimstone's patented process for producing cement has the potential to become the industry standard, as stricter emissions laws are implemented. They plan to scale up, build a pilot plant, and construct a commercial plant in the next five years.
Brimstone has developed a carbon negative process for manufacturing cement, which could significantly reduce carbon emissions worldwide. They have received third-party certification that their cement meets existing standards and are now working on scaling up the process for lower cost at scale. Their patented process and utilization of specific rocks make it difficult for competitors to replicate without licensing or joint venturing with Brimstone. As stricter emissions laws come into play, their method may become the standard for producing Portland cement in places like California. Additionally, Brimstone is open to joint ventures and licensing agreements with existing cement companies once their process is fully optimized and in line with cost parity. Over the next five years, they will focus on scaling up the process, building a pilot plant, and eventually constructing their first commercial plant.
The challenges and opportunities for Brimm Stone in decarbonizing the cement industry.: By targeting environmentally conscious real estate developers early on, Brimm Stone can pave the way for the adoption of decarbonized cement and ultimately transform the entire cement industry.
The success of Brimm Stone's technology in decarbonizing the cement industry depends on their ability to attract early customers who are highly motivated to prioritize environmental sustainability. Currently, the cement industry operates in a complex market where real estate developers ultimately pay for cement, but concrete companies, typically owned by cement companies, are the ones who purchase it. Brimm Stone aims to target real estate developers who are willing to pay a higher cost for decarbonized cement in the early stages. However, as the technology becomes more cost effective and competitive, the solution becomes obvious for companies looking to reduce their carbon emissions. Transforming the cement industry will require significant investment and time, similar to the shift towards renewable energy. The future of Brimm Stone looks promising, with the potential for massive investment and a bright future ahead.
Literally unearthing a climate solution with Cody Finke of Brimstone
Recent Episodes from How I Built This with Guy Raz
Lily’s Sweets: Cynthia Tice
When it comes to launching a multi-million dollar brand, Cynthia Tice was a late bloomer. Nearly 60 and looking for a healthy way to satisfy her love of chocolate, she set out to make an indulgent, sugar-free version, sweetened with stevia. After some disastrous early recipes, Lily’s Sweets launched nationally in Whole Foods, with just four employees. Cynthia correctly predicted that a growing number of shoppers would willingly pay for healthier treats, and just ten years after launch, Lily’s Sweets caught the eye of Hershey’s, which acquired it for $425 million.
This episode was produced by Sam Paulson with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant, with research by Katherine Sypher. Our engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Kwesi Lee.
You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Advice Line with Vicky Tsai of Tatcha
Tatcha co-founder and former CEO Vicky Tsai joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Vicky explains her decision to briefly step back into, and then out of again, the CEO role.
First we meet Jessica in Newport Beach, who’s wondering how to increase brand awareness for her handcrafted fine jewelry. Then Brittany in New York City, who’s looking to prioritize sales channels for her growing fem care brand. And Devon in Cleveland, who wants to generate buzz around the launch of her creative cake company.
Thank you to the founders of Petit Anjou, Beia Beauty, and Mugsy Bakes for being a part of our show.
If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered.
Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.
And be sure to listen to Tatcha’s founding story as told by Vicky on the show in 2020.
This episode was produced by Katherine Sypher with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.
You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Graduate Hotels: Ben Weprin
In 2014, Ben Weprin decided to take people’s best college memories and spin them into a new business: Graduate Hotels. Each of the chain’s properties was decorated to reflect the character of the college town in which it was based, with photos of famous alums or life-sized sports mascots in the lobby. After 13 years in commercial real estate, Ben got the idea for Graduate after renovating a dilapidated Days Inn in Chicago, and realizing that a hotel can tell a story as well as—maybe even better than—a box of cereal or a pair of shoes. Although the Covid lockdowns threatened to bankrupt Graduate, Ben was able to secure the chain’s future by selling it to Hilton, and today the 35 (+) chain is expected to add dozens more properties.
This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant with research assistance from Katherine Sypher. Our engineers were Robert Rodriguez and James Willetts.
You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram, and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Advice Line with Sadie Lincoln of barre3
barre3 co-founder and CEO Sadie Lincoln joins Guy on the Advice line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Sadie breaks down how she introduced her novel fitness concept to new customers.
First we meet Dustin in Texas, who’s working on a brand identity for his ketchup-mustard combo condiment. Then Andrew in Missouri, who wants to convey the value of his newly-created yard game. And Randi in Alabama, who’s wondering if she should step back from being the sole face of her soon-to-be community gathering space.
Thank you to the founders of Ketchustard, Pizzy Products and Ruffner Treehouse Village for being a part of our show.
If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.
And be sure to listen to barre3’s founding story as told by Sadie on the show in 2017.
This episode was produced by Carla Esteves with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.
You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Barefoot Wine: Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan
Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan started Barefoot Wine with $300,000 in debt and almost no knowledge of wine. What they did understand was how to sell it—with a carefree name and label that evoked the beach, and a consistent flavor and low price point that attracted shoppers who normally rejected wine as being too snooty. But winning over that audience took extreme patience, and years of pavement-pounding by Michael. In 2005—twenty years after launch—Barefoot had become ubiquitous, and was acquired by E & J Gallo, one of the biggest wine brands in the world.
This episode was produced by J.C. Howard, with music by Ramtin Arablouei
Edited by Neva Grant, with research help from Olivia Rockeman.
You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram, and email us at hibt@id.wondery.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Advice Line with Leah Solivan of Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit founder Leah Solivan joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three tech founders working to identify and grow their core customer base.
First we meet Kate in Los Angeles, who wants her digital greeting cards to stand out in app stores. Then Shahn in Australia, who’s rethinking user acquisition for his couples coaching app. And Allen in Hawaii, who’s wondering about product-market fit for his online platform that teaches kids to play instruments.
Thanks to the founders of Poppy Notes, My Love Your Love and Dynabuddy for being a part of our show.
If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.
And be sure to listen to Taskrabbit's founding story as told by Leah on the show in 2022.
This episode was produced by Kerry Thompson with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.
You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Groupon and Descript: Andrew Mason
Andrew Mason was a 27-year-old with a degree in music when he co-founded one of the fastest growing companies of all time: Groupon. Its deep discounts on everything from sushi rolls to plastic surgery soon became a ubiquitous part of life in cities across the world. In 2011, just three years after launching, Groupon had the largest internet IPO since Google, with a valuation of $12.7 billion.
But people began to complain that Andrew was not up to the role of CEO: he was quirky and unpredictable, and unable to navigate the company’s rocket-ship growth and the surge of copycats that threatened it. Soon, Groupon’s revenue slumped, and Andrew was fired from the company he’d started. But like many of the best entrepreneurs, he learned from his failure. Today, Andrew runs a new startup, an audio and video editing platform called Descript. In fact, we use Descript to make this show!
This episode was produced by Chris Maccini with music by Ramtin Arablouei.
Edited by Neva Grant, with research from Kathrine Sypher. Our audio engineers were Maggie Luthar and Robert Rodriguez.
You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram, and email us at hibt@id.wondery.com. Sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Listen Now: The Offensive Line with Annie Agar
Join NFL Insider and social media breakout star, Annie Agar, as she tackles the world of fantasy football, odds, props and parlays in “The Offensive Line.” Each week, Annie will break down the NFL’s juiciest and trendiest matchups and drama in her signature quick hitting style, while roasting players and teams (sorry in advance Cowboys fans), dishing out some ice-cold takes, teasing you with a weekly teaser 😉 and slamming the most “offensive” lines, odds and spreads. She’ll be joined by current and former players, and celebrity superfans for a fiery and fun slant on all things football, fantasy and Annie’s favorite picks!
Enjoy The Offensive Line with Annie Agar wherever you get your podcasts: Wondery.fm/TOL
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Advice Line with Scott and Ally Svenson of MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza founders Scott and Ally Svenson join Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three founders about strategic expansion, plus discuss MOD’s recent acquisition.
Today we meet Evan, who recently turned his Richmond-based pizza restaurant into a vegan frozen pizza company. Then Zebbie, a restaurateur in Birmingham who's looking to take his hot chicken concept on the road. And Christiane, a Los Angeles area tequila-maker on a mission to improve her industry’s labor conditions.
Thanks to the founders of Udderless Plant-based Pizza, Eugene’s Hot Chicken and Valor Bebidas for being a part of our show.
If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.
And be sure to listen to MOD Pizza’s founding story as told by Scott and Ally on the show in 2023.
This episode was produced by Katherine Sypher with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.
You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Olipop: Ben Goodwin
When Ben Goodwin was growing up, the concept of healthy soda seemed as oxymoronic as jumbo shrimp. But for Ben, that presented an irresistible challenge: to create a beverage that evoked the colas and root beers of his youth, but was low in sugar and good for the gut. After years of painstaking effort and one failed brand, Ben and his partner launched Olipop in 2018. Made with fiber and prebiotics and sweetened with Stevia, it joined the growing ranks of “functional sodas,” launching first in natural food stores and spreading quickly to the big chains. This year, the brand is expected to do nearly $500 million in sales, and, as younger consumers drift away from legacy soda, Ben says Olipop will only get bigger.
This episode was produced by Sam Paulson with music composed by Ramtin Arabloui and Sam Paulson. It was edited by Neva Grant with research by Katherine Sypher. Our engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Kwesi Lee.
You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Related Episodes
HIBT Lab! Quaise Energy: Carlos Araque
Growing up in Colombia, Carlos Araque and his father liked to take apart bicycles and motorcycles then put them back together. This love of tinkering led Carlos to study engineering at MIT and eventually launch a career in the oil and gas industry. After 15 years of this work, Carlos realized he was uniquely suited to be a part of the global energy transition away from fossil fuels. He returned to his alma mater to help run a startup accelerator, and soon, Quaise Energy was born.
This week on How I Built This Lab, Carlos shares how his company plans to drill the deepest holes ever to unlock the nearly limitless potential of geothermal energy. Carlos explains why he sees such promise with this energy source and how he spread his optimism to investors to raise more than $70 million and counting.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Energy Minute: Untangling 100% Renewable vs. 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Goals
Why do are forward-leaning companies centering their decarbonization strategy around 24/7 carbon-free energy? How is it different from a 100% renewable energy target? This episode revisits fundamental concepts on renewable energy (including RECs), looks at the difference in these two models, and explains why hourly data is critical to meeting 100% decarbonization goals.
How to eat an Elephant: Why Climate Change Policy is in a Mess and How to Fix it
[Extract] "The Idea is to Mobilize Private, Industry, and Policy Money"
![[Extract] "The Idea is to Mobilize Private, Industry, and Policy Money"](https://www.podcastworld.io/podcast-images/don-t-waste-water-4xn039bt.webp)
Alena Fargere explains how in the complex equation of a decarbonized world, hydrogen brings a welcome additional energy carrier. Unleashing the Hydrogen Economy will involve a combination of incentives, finance, and technologies, that SWEN Capital commits to unleash!
🎙️ Alena Fargere is Principal at SWEN Capital Partners and co-founder of the first European investment fund dedicated to renewable gases.: "S4E18 - Is the Hydrogen Economy actually an Astounding Investment Opportunity?"
You can also find Alena's interview on the (don't) Waste Water website
S4E8: Does Working From Home Really Improve the Environment? with Dr. Patrick Moore
