Eco-friendly concrete for sustainable construction

New Jersey’s Solidia Technologies have developed a low-carbon concrete and cement production process that reduces CO2 waste in two ways.

In a win-win development, Solidia Technologies has found a way to use less water and more carbon waste in its new, eco-friendly concrete. In partnership with researchers from Oregon State and Purdue Universities, Solidia scientists created a process that produces less CO2 waste during the manufacturing process and uses carbon dioxide as an essential ingredient in the final material.

The new eco-cement appears to be stronger and more durable than old versions, as well as particularly resistant to de-icing salts commonly used to clear road surfaces. That property has the potential to significantly increase the lifespan of the typical road, which then creates further environmental benefits linked to fewer repairs and materials used.

Widespread adaptation of the new technology requires new construction codes and standards, so while that occurs, Solidia Technologies is focusing on getting some of the environmental benefits in use as quickly as possible. Easy changes include topical road treatments for parts of the country that regularly use deicing salts and pre-cast concrete products that can be transported to construction sites.

Eco-friendly construction alternatives are quickly becoming the norm, and we have seen it in the form of rollable concrete and cement made from burnt clay. What will we see next?