Maximizing Carbon Negativity in Next Generation Bamboo Framing Materials

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Program:
HESTIA
Award:
$2,230,060
Location:
Ocala, Florida
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
01/09/2023 - 07/15/2025

Technology Description:

BamCore aims to transition its bamboo/wood hybrid dual panel hollow wall system to primarily bamboo content to develop a prefabricated, building code-compliant vertical framing wall system for constructing carbon-negative low- and mid-rise buildings. BamCore will (1) replace high embodied carbon insulation with carbon negative insulation (2) maximize fiber utilization for more efficient sequestration-to-storage ratio and less waste, (3) replace the wood panel core with a bamboo or fast growing agricultural alternative, (4) achieve high fire rating without high embodied carbon gypsum board, and (5) advance end of life uses for the material. The result is a substantially more carbon-negative building material than wood with superior performance, lower overall cost, and high end-of-life value.

Potential Impact:

HESTIA projects will facilitate the use of carbon storing materials in building construction to achieve net carbon negativity by optimizing material chemistries and matrices, manufacturing, and whole-building designs in a cost-effective manner.

Security:

HESTIA technologies will reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.

Environment:

Building materials and designs developed under HESTIA will draw down and store CO2 from the atmosphere.

Economy:

A variety of promising carbon storing materials are being explored and commercialized for building construction. Currently these materials are generally scarcer, cost more per unit, and/or face performance challenges (e.g., flame resistance for biogenic carbon-containing materials). HESTIA seeks technologies that overcome these barriers while nullifying associated emissions and increasing the total amount of carbon stored in the finished product.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Laurent Pilon
Project Contact:
Nicholas Allan
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
nich@bamcore.com

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Release Date:
06/13/2022