Building Climate-Positive Construction: Tim Sperry on Carbon Capture Concrete

In this compelling episode of AEC Trailblazers, host Valentin Noves sits down with Tim Sperry, a true pioneer in climate tech innovation and founder of Carbon Limit.

Tim is redefining what sustainability means for the built environment, transforming one of the most carbon-intensive industries—construction—into a powerful force against climate change.

Tim shares his unique journey from developing a direct air capture machine in retrofitted shipping containers to creating CaptureCrete, the world’s first patented CO₂-absorbing concrete.

This breakthrough technology not only reduces emissions but actively removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it permanently in concrete infrastructure. Alongside CoolCrete, an advanced cooling additive designed to mitigate urban heat islands, Tim and his team are shaping the future of climate-positive construction materials.

The conversation explores the technical and commercial challenges of scaling such groundbreaking solutions. Tim provides a candid look at his evolution from startup founder to scaling Carbon Limit globally, reflecting on the organizational turbulence and tough leadership decisions that come with growth. His insights underscore the emotional resilience required to lead innovation in an industry steeped in tradition.

A key highlight is Tim’s perspective on the new generation of homebuyers and developers who increasingly demand sustainability alongside affordability. He discusses the shift in market dynamics driven by Gen Y and Gen Z, who seek products that balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how carbon capture technologies can be integrated directly into construction materials, turning infrastructure projects into part of the solution rather than the problem. Tim’s vision for a future where buildings and roads help reverse climate change offers inspiration and practical insight for architects, engineers, developers, and innovators across the AEC industry.

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious about emerging climate tech, or looking to innovate within construction, this episode provides a rich, technical, and human perspective on the challenges and triumphs of pioneering carbon-negative concrete solutions.

Tune in to learn from Tim Sperry’s expertise and discover how Carbon Limit is enabling the industry to build not just smarter, but cleaner—and making a measurable impact on the planet’s future.