Zero-cement concrete will reduce the environmental impact in construction industry

Due to the climate crisis and the high CO₂ emissions of concrete, engineers and scientists are seeking an alternative construction material which will be more environmentally friendly and will reduce the eco footprint of the construction industry. According to their research, they argue that they may have found a formula of concrete that is free of cement.

It should be mentioned that cement which is used in concrete’s production, is the third-largest source of human-produced carbon emissions. For this matter, researchers worldwide are trying to create materials more eco-friendly involving industrial waste and steel slag to reduce CO₂ in the mix of concrete. Others are proposing the use of spent coffee grounds as a replacement for sand.

As of present, C-Crete Technologies, which is a materials science company, and the patent holder of the free-cement concrete suggests that they have developed a method to create concrete mix without cement that can be used in commercial applications and has the potential of near zero emissions. Their mission to develop concrete without cement is supported by the US Department of Energy and in September of 2023 they were funded with $3 million. Furthermore, they have also received other awards to further develop their technology and expand their operation.

They argue that for every ton of concrete that will be used, their formula will be preventing around 1ton of carbon emissions. In addition, they have stated that they had already used approximately 140tons of this material in new construction projects. According to BGR, the “new” concrete is meeting all industry standards for strength and durability as cement concrete that we already know and will be a revolutionary alternative to Portland cement. Overall, the idea of zero carbon emission concrete is revolutionary and has the potential to be the future of construction projects.