The control of energy consumption and the investigation of CO₂ emissions in the production of aggregate

The human requirements have increased rapidly depending on population density and urbanization thus industrialization has grown steadily. As a result of this increase of the greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, the global warming has increased slowly. Therefore, the effects of greenhouse gases in all areas of production must be controlled. The study presents the methods of determination of CO₂ emissions (CO₂-e) and energy consumption in aggregate production. The aggregate constitute approximately 70% by volume of concrete that has widespread use as construction material in the world. One of the most important elements in today's terms is sustainable use of resources and minimum CO₂ emissions (CO₂ + CO + NOx + CH4...) at every stage of production of aggregate. Therefore, these elements must be taken into consideration in the aggregate production standards. The choice of production method of aggregate is very important for optimum use of energy and effects of greenhouse gas emissions. So the properties of the aggregate material must be known well to obtain the target. Within the scope of this study, the unit value of CO₂-e that release when the production of aggregate in different formations is determined for our country. Thus, the effects of green house gas emission can be evaluated according to the characteristics of material in aggregate production planning. In this study, energies consumed during the production of aggregates at a quarry in Istanbul Cendere region were investigated by taking the different formations encountered at the quarry into consideration. The unit CO₂ emission values per ton of produced aggregates were calculated as a result of this investigation. Besides, energy consumption values of previous months at this quarry were taken and the unit CO₂ emission values were also calculated.