Join Us in May for Our Monthly Tech Talk via Zoom
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 6:00pm – 7:30pm (PST)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198121798?pwd=lfPNzoUjdAjkWZzoogGA8Rbvi3WQcv.1
Meeting ID: 831 9812 1798
Passcode: 215693
Talk Title: Net‑Zero and Climate Economics for Concrete: Innovations That Matter Only If They Scale.
Abstract
Concrete is the world’s most widely used construction material and a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. This talk examines concrete decarbonization through three key questions: Why study concrete? How can science address the challenge of decarbonization? And do the economics support these solutions?
Drawing on perspectives from materials science, engineering, and sustainability, the presentation explores both emissions generated during cement production and lifecycle emissions resulting from infrastructure degradation and replacement. It highlights near-term strategies such as clinker reduction, alternative binders, improved manufacturing efficiency, and cleaner fuels, while discussing the opportunities and limitations of carbon capture technologies. The talk also examines how innovations such as self-healing concrete and corrosion-resistant materials can extend infrastructure lifetime and reduce lifecycle emissions.
By connecting technological advances with economic realities, scalability challenges, and policy considerations, the presentation argues that achieving Net Zero 2050 goals will require an integrated approach that combines production-side emissions reductions, enhanced infrastructure durability, and supportive market and policy frameworks.
Speaker: Arav Choudhary
Biography:
Arav Choudhary is a senior at Saratoga High School with a strong interest in chemistry, materials science, and sustainable technologies. Through the Chemistry Scholars Program at Illinois Institute of Technology, he has conducted research on advanced materials for energy applications, focusing on yttrium oxide synthesis and characterization using techniques such as SEM, TEM, and XRD.
Passionate about the intersection of chemistry, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, Arav founded the YouTube podcast Chemistry in Action, where he interviews industry leaders and researchers in fields including fuel cells, energy storage, green cement, and quantum materials. Beyond academics, he is a varsity soccer player, trombonist, student leader, and volunteer mentor. He aspires to pursue multidisciplinary research and innovation in energy and advanced materials.
Message From the Section Chair
Dear ASQ Silicon Valley Quality Professionals,
Welcome to 2026—a year of groundbreaking advancements in quantum computing, yet also a stark reminder of climate change’s impact. Experiencing freezing temperatures in Florida during my recent visit to the University of Florida and witnessing ongoing wildfires in California underscores the urgency of sustainable solutions.
ASQ Silicon Valley remains committed to supporting emerging technologies and cleantech for a sustainable future. I want to recognize each of you for your contributions to our section’s success. 2024 was marked by two major initiatives—the Inaugural Cleantech Conference and the Fireside Leadership Summit. For 2025, I’m pleased to announce our leadership updates: Congratulations to Aruna Ghildiyal, our new Program Chair, and welcome to Narjes Seyedin and Rishabh Siingh as new core committee members. Pegah Mottataghizadeh will continue as Operations Chair.
Looking ahead, we will elevate our annual Cleantech Conference and Fireside Summit while continuing our flagship Technical Speaker Series (Tech Talk), which attracts 60+ attendees per session. With over 2,000 ASQ members and 5,000+ quality professionals in the Bay Area, we provide a vibrant platform for networking and professional growth in emerging technologies. Let’s push boundaries, share knowledge, and foster leadership development to drive innovation and quality excellence in 2025.
Thank you, and I look forward to another impactful year together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sunil Roy, ASQ-SV Chair
Senior Director, Head of Quality Engineering
QuantumScape Battery
