The Future of Building is Low-Carbon: How MCi Carbon is Leading the Way

As we approach critical climate deadlines, the technologies needed to decarbonise our built environment are not a distant future—many exist today. At MCi Carbon, we’re actively demonstrating that the transition to a low-carbon economy is achievable and profitable. The real challenge? Scaling these solutions at the pace required to meet global climate targets.

The International Energy Agency estimates that a $200 trillion investment is necessary to achieve net zero by 2050 while keeping warming to 1.7°C. The built environment, responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, must be at the forefront of this transformation. Yet, adoption is still too slow, and inertia remains a significant barrier across industries.

At MCi Carbon, we’re tackling this challenge head-on by turning CO? emissions into valuable building materials. Through our mineral carbonation process, we permanently capture industrial CO? and transform it into safe, sustainable materials used in construction. This process not only locks away carbon but also helps reduce the embodied emissions of new developments. For the construction industry, which is grappling with both regulatory pressure and growing market demand for green buildings, this technology is a game-changer.

Our latest facility, Australia’s CCU Flagship Myrtle, is nearly complete and ready to help decarbonise hard-to-abate industries globally - and this is all happening in Newcastle, New South Wales. Soon, we will be producing thousands of tonnes of low-carbon materials. This will not only drive down emissions but also support the ambitions Newcastle has to turn into a global leader in innovation, circularity and sustainability. For industries tied to construction, like cement, steel, and glass, MCi’s approach allows them to meet carbon reduction targets without the need to overhaul their entire supply chains.

MCi Carbon recently received a $14.5m Carbon Capture Technologies Program grant to support the commercialisation of our carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technology and demonstrate scaled CO? abatement, offering a platform to rapidly validate different decarbonisation pathway scenarios with our customers.

The Myrtle+ Project is targeting the abatement of CO? emissions from hard-to-abate industries across the globe by transforming them into carbon-embodied materials for the building and construction sectors, expanding and optimising processing capabilities for a broader range of feedstock materials.

Unlocking Economic Value

As with many climate technologies, the assumption is that adopting low-carbon materials and processes will come at a higher cost. But when you consider the full lifecycle, reduced operational expenses, and improved resilience of low-carbon buildings, the business case becomes clear. At MCi, we’ve worked hard to prove that our solutions don’t just cut emissions—they make financial sense.

MCi Carbon serves as the crucial link between the energy transition and the circular economy. Our technology embodies the next generation of solutions that are vital as we navigate this transitional phase up to 2050. With emissions reduction targets now set and the pathways made clear, industries are rigorously evaluating their options. Over the past decade, MCi Carbon has been at the forefront, preparing both the market and industries to adopt solutions that acknowledge the reality of CO? emissions persisting until 2050.

A sustainable future hinges on a genuine transition. While initial solutions may be costly and novel, they will soon pave the way for optimisation, economies of scale, and collaborative efforts. These initiatives will give rise to new, efficient, and sustainable supply chains across industries.

A key element in this transition is the availability of capital—specifically, climate capital.

In today's unpredictable economic climate, it is essential to have financial resources that are willing to embrace new risk models and adopt a long-term perspective. Governments have a pivotal role to play here. By acting as underwriters and first movers in capital provision, they can bridge the gap to bankability. The world is ready for the next stage of meaningful climate action. MCi Carbon stands ready to lead this charge, fostering real progress towards a sustainable future.

From Demonstration to Deployment

What’s most exciting is that we’re not just talking about what’s possible in the future. MCi Carbon is demonstrating these technologies today, with real-world applications and results.

We are not alone in this. Across the globe, companies are repurposing captured CO? in innovative ways, creating new materials that lock it away permanently. This synergy of innovation is what will propel us toward a net-zero future. And Australia has the chance to be at the forefront of this revolution.

The time to act is now. With the technologies in place and demand for sustainable buildings growing, businesses have a clear path forward. At MCi Carbon, we are committed to making that path not only viable but also profitable for those who choose to lead the way.

Let’s get race ready for net zero—because if we don’t, we risk being left behind with the climate delayers. From my perspective - that race has already started.

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