Can you imagine a building fighting climate change? This is precisely what is happening as NYC’s Skyscrapers fight climate change.

Owners of the 30-story skyscraper are utilizing a carbon capture device to lessen emissions. They set up a complex system of winding pipes and tanks to catch carbon dioxide before it leaves the basement’s gas-fired boilers, enters the chimney, and is released into the atmosphere.

Most of NYC’s skyscrapers contribute to environmental pollution, which is why this setup is necessary. NYC’s skyscrapers are thought to contribute up to 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. More carbon dioxide is emitted from boilers and furnaces in the basement than from all the cars on the highways combined. Yet, it manages to avoid the spotlight from the culprit of climate change discussion.

The objective behind placing carbon capture technology in building basements is to satisfy emission targets without having to relocate for repairs. In some instances, the carbon dioxide is sold to a concrete factory and converted into a mineral that is permanently entrenched in concrete.

This appears to be a decent strategy. However, it is rather ambitious as the city’s largest buildings must reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The necessary upgrades are expected to cost around $4 billion. However, building owners will recoup part of these expenditures through energy savings and the enhanced value of an energy-efficient facility.

Limitations Of Skyscraper’s Strategy To Combat Climate Change

Critics of this method say that building managers are going too far to make Skyscrapers fight climate change. They emphasize that switching to renewable energy should take priority over burning fossil fuels. The issue of storing a lot of carbon dioxide needs to be taken into consideration. As an asphyxiant, carbon dioxide is damaging to the body because it lowers the oxygen content.

What Is A Carbon Capture System, And Why Is It, Not The Best Way Forward?

Oil and gas corporations, as well as some manufacturing facilities, have been using carbon capture equipment on an industrial scale for decades. It involves collecting the carbon dioxide produced by power plants or other industrial processes, such as making steel or cement, transferring it, and then storing it underground. CCS is used to collect climate-warming carbon dioxide and either sell it or utilize it to extract more oil from the earth.

When it comes to carbon capture systems, not everyone is on the same page. CCS is not economical. Applying it to current sources of pollution is too expensive due to its high cost. New wind or solar projects would be less expensive to build than CCS.

Also Read: Role Of Algae In Carbon Capture