Abstract: The present invention relates to a cement additive for use in a blended cement composition, the additive comprising a precipitated calcium carbonate formed from mineral sequestration of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of mineralisation of carbon dioxide. The method comprises forming an alkaline in aqueous solution containing carbonate anions by dissolving the carbon dioxide and an alkali such as ammonia in water. Next, the method comprises mixing the alkaline aqueous solution with a water source (such as a connate/formation brine or produced water or industrial waste waters or re-constituted mineral-bearing waters) containing magnesium and calcium cations. A first product (e.g. PCC) containing calcium cations and carbonate anions is precipitated in a first precipitation step at a first pH (e.g. around pH7.5) and then a second product (e.g. nesquehonite (NQ) a type of PMC) containing magnesium cations and carbonate anions is precipitated in a second precipitation step at a second, higher pH e.g. around pH 9.5.

Abstract: A dynamic insulation system suitable for deployment within an envelope or facade of a building or habitable construction is described. The system comprises one or more layers of insulation and one or more void space forming elements (5,12b). The void space forming element comprises a panel attachment means (6) for connecting this element to a layer of insulation and a spacer element (9) that provides a means for defining at least one void space within the envelope or facade to facilitate the uniform, bi-directional, actively or passively driven flow of ventilation air through the void space. The resultant dynamic insulation systems can be made directly from any commonly available insulation sheet material, or combination of materials. This reduces the costs of the system without sacrificing performance or versatility. The system can be cut to any dimension, and joined together without loss of functionality to maximise insulation coverage of the building envelope or facade.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering thermal energy escaping through a wall structure. The apparatus comprising a wall structure (2) provided with a thermal energy recovery layer, the thermal energy recovery layer having an arrangement of one or more air breathable sections provided adjacent one or more non-air breathable sections. Rising or falling air (3) at an outer surface of the wall structure (2) passes over the one or more non-air breathable sections to collect escaping hot or cold thermal energy before passing through the one or more breathable sections to thereby be recovered. Further provided is an air collection means (4) for collecting warmed air rising up or cold air flowing down an external wall of said building. The air collection means comprising a tapering converging guide member extending outwardly from the building's wall (2) for collecting and directing rising or falling air into the building.