Cement

Basalt could be the key to greener and cheaper cement

Electricity could produce cement with almost no carbon footprint

Concrete sensor manufacturer Wavelogix receives $500,000 grant from National Science Foundation

Wavelogix, a concrete sensor manufacturer, has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to refine and scale its Rebel concrete strength sensing system. The system enables faster, data-driven decisions through real-time concrete strength monitoring.

University of East London partners with STRABAG UK to pioneer low-carbon tunnelling solution

The University of East London and STRABAG UK have developed a pioneering low-carbon grout that replaces traditional cement-heavy annulus grout, reducing embodied carbon by over 61%. The innovation uses repurposed construction waste and agricultural by-products to create a sustainable alternative.

Can desert sand be used to build houses and roads?

Researchers have developed a new material called botanical sandcrete using desert sand with plant-based additives. This innovative solution reduces the need for traditional concrete, which accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions. The production process is relatively simple and can be made in many places.

Pompeii offers insights into ancient Roman building technology

MIT researchers analyzed a recently discovered Pompeii construction site to shed new light on ancient Roman concrete, which has endured for thousands of years. They found that hot-mixing was indeed used by the Romans, contradicting ancient texts and providing valuable insights into a material with self-healing properties.

Scientists use textile ash to create extremely strong cement

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.

Global construction carbon footprint set to double by 2050

The global construction sector's carbon footprint is projected to double by 2050, driven by cement, steel, and brick emissions. A material revolution is needed to reduce reliance on these materials and explore low-carbon alternatives.

Repurposing gemstone polishing waste to create smart cement

Researchers at Wuzhou University and Guangzhou University in China explored gemstone polishing waste as a possible additive in cement. Their study found that the waste significantly enhances thermal conductivity up to 159% and reduces electrical resistivity by up to 94% in cement, revealing an unexpected potential for 'smart' materials.

Wilkes Center awards $250,000 Climate Launch Prize to Build up Nepal

Build up Nepal's eco-brick technology reduces CO2 emissions and makes homes safer while cutting construction costs. The company will use the prize to scale up its innovative solution.

Cardboard and earth reshape sustainable construction

Engineers at RMIT University have developed cardboard-confined rammed earth, a novel building material that uses locally sourced materials and reduces waste going to landfill. The material boasts one quarter of the carbon footprint of concrete and can be made on-site using cardboard formwork.

Living cement: scientists turn bacteria-infused cement into energy-storing supercapacitors

Researchers create a biohybrid supercapacitor by embedding energy-producing bacteria in cement, storing electrical energy and regenerating its capacity. The material shows promising potential for future development and can recover up to 80% of its original energy capacity.

Airovation Technologies awarded top honor in 2025 Hebrew University Asper Prize Competition

Airovation Technologies won the prestigious Asper Prize for innovative startup solutions, securing a NIS 100,000 award. The company's ventures focus on real-world challenges, such as gut health and carbon capture, demonstrating purpose-driven innovation.

AI paves the way towards green cement

Researchers at PSI developed an AI-based model to simulate and optimize cement formulations with lower CO₂ emissions. The model, trained on existing data, can generate practical recipe suggestions in seconds, accelerating the development cycle.

From steel solid waste to green cement: A catalytic leap towards low-carbon cement production

Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.

Living fungus-based building material repairs itself for over a month

Researchers have developed a building material that uses fungal mycelium and bacteria cells, which can self-repair for at least a month. This innovation has the potential to replace conventional building materials with high carbon footprints like cement, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

A bio-inspired thermoelectric cement towards self-powered buildings

Researchers developed a bio-inspired thermoelectric cement with a Seebeck coefficient of −40.5 mV/K, surpassing previous materials by ten times. The composite achieves superior mechanical strength and energy storage potential, enabling continuous power supply for electronic devices.

The UMA will coordinate an international consortium that will hasten the use of cement as a carbon sink

The University of Malaga will coordinate an international consortium, 'X-SeeO2', aiming to hasten the use of cements as carbon dioxide sinks. The €4 million project aims to reduce CO2 emissions and promote the circular economy by upcycling waste.

Recycled cements drive down emissions without slacking on strength

Researchers developed a recycling process for cement waste into a low-carbon, high-strength material that can replace traditional Portland cement. The new cement blend reduces carbon intensity and enables new uses for construction and demolition waste.

New carbon-negative material could make concrete and cement more sustainable

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative building material that can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. By converting CO2 into solid, durable materials using electricity and seawater, the material not only stores CO2 but also produces clean hydrogen gas.

Concrete evidence: Japanese buildings absorb 14% of cement production's carbon footprint

Researchers at Nagoya University found that Japan's concrete structures, including buildings and infrastructure, absorb around 14% of the CO2 emissions generated during cement production. This process, known as carbonation, enables concrete to function as a carbon sink, even though it absorbs less CO2 than forests.

New environmentally-friendly mortar reduces heat loss

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new environmentally-friendly mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel, which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste. The new mortar mix reduced heat loss by up to 55% while maintaining the required strength for masonry construction.

Researchers develop a five-minute quality test for sustainable cement industry materials

Researchers developed a five-minute quality test for sustainable cement industry materials, reducing testing time from seven days to just five minutes. The test uses colorimetry and camera technology for real-time quality control of calcined clays, which can partially replace ordinary Portland cement.

Is cellular concrete a viable low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete for earthquake-resistant structures?

Researchers found that cellular concrete requires less cement, generates fewer air pockets, and reduces overall weight, making it suitable for seismic zones. This material's production results in notable reductions in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Novel model advances microfiber-reinforced concrete research

A new mesoscale mechanical discrete model simulates fracture behavior of micro fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) with increased accuracy and computational efficiency. The model successfully reproduced experimental results in various tests, including tension, splitting, and four-point bending tests.

Green cement: Electric heating to contribute to climate neutrality

The ECem project aims to develop electric heating technologies for cement calcination, reducing CO2 emissions by up to three times. Researchers are exploring infrared and inductive heating methods to overcome material properties challenges.

Storing carbon in buildings could help address climate change

A new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University suggests that storing carbon in buildings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers calculated that using carbonated aggregates to make concrete could absorb a gigaton of CO2 annually.

NTU Singapore scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide

Researchers have developed a 3D concrete printing system that captures and stores carbon dioxide, offering a promising alternative to traditional cement-based construction methods. The innovation improves printability, increases strength, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in stronger and more eco-friendly buildings.

A young scientist from the University of Malaga wins the best global phd award in cementitious materials

Shiva Shirani, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Malaga, has won the Innovandi NanoCem PhD Prize 2024 for her research on low-carbon cement alternatives. Her work uses advanced synchrotron imaging techniques to optimize cement micro- and meso-structures.

Breakthrough in capturing 'hot' CO2 from industrial exhaust

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a metal-organic framework that can capture CO2 at extreme temperatures, relevant to cement and steel manufacturing plants. The discovery has the potential to change how scientists think about carbon capture and reduces the need for costly infrastructure.

Virginia Tech selected to lead $11.6 million research study for industrial decarbonization in the Roanoke Valley

A research team led by Virginia Tech will test the geologic conditions at the Roanoke Cement Plant for storing 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year for three decades. The project aims to prevent estimated 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.

Advancement in 3D-printed concrete promises strength, durability and lower carbon emissions

Researchers developed a more sustainable 3D-printed concrete material combining graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement. The new material offers enhanced strength and durability while significantly reducing carbon emissions, making it a powerful solution for addressing environmental challenges in 3D printed construction.

Assessing the real climate costs of manufacturing

A new study by UC Davis engineers and economists finds that producing materials like steel, plastics, and cement inflicts $79 billion a year on the global climate. The team calculated climate costs using the Environmental Protection Agency's Social Cost of Carbon standard.

Applications open for School of Advanced Science on Structural Safety

The school will focus on methods to address structural safety and infrastructure resilience challenges in a climate change context. Key findings include the importance of increasing infrastructure resilience to reduce social wellbeing impacts.

UCLA engineers develop scalable process to decarbonize cement production

Researchers developed a new approach called ZeroCAL, which can remove nearly all carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement production. The process uses limestone as a feedstock and produces clean hydrogen and oxygen gas, making it an elegant solution to reduce carbon footprint.

Improved cement to protect the living treasures of our coastlines

Researchers developed new surface treatments to reduce biological toxicity effects on marine organisms. Biofilm growth and coral survival were significantly improved on surface-treated samples, while bulk-treated samples showed reduced biofilm growth and mechanical properties.

Carbon-trapping cement alternative ready for industry trials

A team of researchers from Aalto University has developed a bio-based binder material that can significantly reduce carbon emissions from infrastructure construction. The technology binds CO2 gas in a stable, solid carbonate form within the cementitious clay layer, making ground improvement itself carbon-negative.

Tougher concrete, inspired by bone

The new material resists cracking and avoids sudden failure, unlike conventional brittle cement-based counterparts. By manipulating the structure of the material itself, researchers achieve significant improvements in toughness without additional material.

A blueprint for building the future: Eco-friendly 3D concrete printing

A UVA research team introduces a game-changing additive to 3D-printed concrete, enhancing its printability and mechanical properties. The study demonstrates the potential for more resilient and eco-friendly construction practices using cellulose nanofibrils.

Simple new process stores CO2 in concrete without compromising strength

A Northwestern University-led team of engineers has discovered a new way to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in concrete without compromising its strength and durability. The process achieved a CO2 sequestration efficiency of up to 45% and resulted in concrete with uncompromised properties.

All-in-one method measures CO2 in concrete

A new device developed by University of Tokyo researchers can measure carbon dioxide captured in concrete quickly and accurately, skipping the need to crush concrete samples. This innovation aims to support global efforts to reach carbon neutrality and offset emissions from the concrete sector.

From seashells to cement, nature inspires tougher building material

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite that mimics the strength and flexibility of seashells, increasing crack resistance and ductility. The composite, inspired by nacre's microstructure, exhibits improved fracture toughness and deformability, making it potentially tougher, safer, and more durable.

Cement recycling method could help solve one of the world’s biggest climate challenges

Researchers developed a method to recycle cement using electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing emissions from concrete and steel production. The process can replace up to half of cement in concrete with recycled cement, producing zero-emission cement if powered by renewable energy.

Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last

RMIT's low-carbon concrete has been shown to recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, reducing cement requirements by half. The new mixture also performs exceptionally well over time, with large concrete beam prototypes meeting Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.

Scientists generate heat over 1,000 degrees Celsius with solar power instead of fossil fuel

Researchers have developed a method to trap solar energy at temperatures over 1,000°C using synthetic quartz, demonstrating its potential for clean energy in carbon-intensive industries. The technology shows promise for industrial applications and could provide an economic viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Human activity is causing toxic thallium to enter the Baltic sea, according to new study

A new study by scientists affiliated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that human activities account for a substantial amount of toxic thallium in the Baltic Sea. The research suggests that the amount of thallium could increase due to further anthropogenic or natural activities, posing a concern for marine life.

Paving new paths for sustainable construction

The Indian Institute of Science has developed new concrete materials using excavated soil, reducing the need for natural sand and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The innovative materials show improved compressive strength and reduced waste, offering a scalable solution to the construction sector's environmental challenges.

Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage

The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.

Lehigh University researchers awarded $2 million DOE grant to develop and demonstrate lower greenhouse gas cement ingredient

A research team at Lehigh University has received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop an alternative concrete binder using low-temperature calcined clays. The goal is to produce a material with properties similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but without greenhouse gas emissions.

UBC Okanagan researchers look to the past to improve construction sustainability

Researchers at UBC Okanagan are revisiting old building practices to improve sustainability. They found that wood fly ash can enhance the strength of rammed earth construction, reducing sand exploitation and increasing insulation properties.

Rice study shows coal-based product could replace sand in concrete

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a graphene-derived material that can serve as a substitute for sand in concrete, offering a potential solution to the looming 'sand crisis.' The study found that the graphene-based concrete is 25% lighter but just as tough as conventional concrete.

A cellulose-based thickener to reduce environmental risks of liquefied stabilized soil

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cellulose-based thickener to reduce environmental risks associated with liquefied stabilized soil. The thickener prevents bleeding, loss of fine particles, and unwanted settling, while maintaining soil strength.

Study suggests energy-efficient route to capturing and converting CO2

Researchers at MIT developed an electrochemical process that captures and converts CO2 in a single step, reducing energy consumption. The system can be powered by renewable electricity, making it suitable for industrial processes with no obvious renewable alternative.

Biochar-infused concrete: a green solution for corporate sustainability

Using biochar in cement enhances mechanical properties and contributes to sustainability objectives, reducing the need for traditional cement content. This study provides an overview of biochar's suitability as a sustainable additive in cement, promoting environmentally beneficial outcomes.

MIT engineers create an energy-storing supercapacitor from ancient materials

Researchers develop low-cost, scalable energy storage system using cement and carbon black. The technology facilitates renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power by providing stable energy networks.

Fast, automated, affordable test for cement durability developed at U of I

Researchers developed a fast and affordable test to predict cement durability using computer vision, which can analyze water droplet absorption on surfaces. The new test is less tedious than current methods and could help the cement industry improve quality control.

Engineering: The house that diapers built

Researchers found that disposable diaper waste can replace up to 8% of sand in concrete and mortar used to build a single-story house, reducing construction costs. The study suggests using this unconventional material for low-cost housing in low- and middle-income countries.

Researchers develop carbon-negative concrete

Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.

Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future

Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.

New additives could turn concrete into an effective carbon sink

Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.