U.S. concrete absorbs 6.5 million tons of CO₂ yearly, offsetting 13% of cement emissions, per a new MIT study.

Cement in U.S. buildings and infrastructure absorbs over 6.5 million metric tons of CO₂ annually through natural carbonation, offsetting about 13% of emissions from cement production. A new MIT study finds Mexico sequesters roughly 5 million tons yearly, aided by higher mortar use and on-site mixing. The process varies by structure type, climate, and material ratios, with porous mortars absorbing CO₂ faster than dense concrete. Researchers used representative building models to estimate uptake nationwide, urging updates to climate reporting to reflect real-world carbon storage in concrete.