In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, a groundbreaking study is unfolding that could revolutionize the way we think about building design and carbon sequestration. Kyoung Hee Kim, a researcher at the Integrated Design Research Lab within the David R. Ravin School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is leading the charge in integrating microalgae into building enclosures to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change.
The rapid pace of urbanization and technological advancement has led to an unprecedented increase in carbon emissions, with buildings being one of the primary culprits. While net-zero energy buildings are a step in the right direction, they often fall short in addressing the embodied carbon that accumulates throughout a building’s life cycle. This is where Kim’s research comes into play, focusing on nature-based solutions that not only capture carbon but also enhance environmental benefits and human well-being.
Kim’s innovative approach involves incorporating photobioreactors into building enclosures, which allow microalgae to thrive while sequestering carbon. These tiny powerhouses of photosynthesis can grow rapidly and capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide, all while producing valuable biomass feedstock. “Microalgae have a strong photosynthetic capability and can grow very quickly,” Kim explains. “This makes them an ideal candidate for carbon capture in urban environments.”
In a recent study published, Kim and her team tested a microalgae photobioreactor-integrated window system using two types of microalgae: Chlorella and Chlorococcum. The results were promising, with Chlorella yielding 175 mg/L-day and Chlorococcum yielding 80 mg/L-day. These findings, consistent with existing literature, demonstrate the viability of microalgae-integrated building enclosures for real-world carbon capture.
The implications for the energy sector are vast. As cities around the world strive to become more sustainable, the demand for innovative carbon sequestration methods is on the rise. Microalgae-integrated building enclosures could provide a cost-effective solution, turning buildings into active participants in the fight against climate change. “The combination of microalgae carbon sequestration with net-zero buildings can significantly address global warming and promote sustainable urban development,” Kim states.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. Ensuring ideal growing conditions for microalgae while maintaining building energy efficiency is a complex task. Future research will need to focus on optimizing these conditions to make large-scale implementation feasible.
As we look to the future, the potential for microalgae-integrated building enclosures is immense. This nature-based solution could pave the way for a new generation of resilient buildings and cities, where architecture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. The research, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Built Environment’ (translated to English: Frontiers in the Built Environment), is a significant step forward in this direction, offering a glimpse into a future where our buildings are not just structures, but active participants in the health of our planet.