Research Could Reduce Cement CO2 Emissions by 40%

New Concrete Technology Aims to Lower Carbon Footprint in Construction

The University of Bradford is involved in an international research project that aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement production, a major contributor to global greenhouse gases. The project, funded by the European Union with a budget of €260,000 (£226,000), focuses on developing a new concrete technology that could cut cement-related CO2 emissions by between 10 and 40 per cent.

Concrete and CO2 Emissions

Concrete production accounts for over seven per cent of global CO2 emissions, primarily due to the energy-intensive process of manufacturing cement. As global demand for concrete continues to rise, there is increasing pressure on the construction industry to find ways to lower emissions without compromising the material’s structural integrity.

Project Leadership and Collaboration

The University of Bradford is leading the scientific and technical development of the project, working alongside a Post Doctoral Research Fellow from Tianjin University in China and the Holcim Innovation Center in France. Professor Ashraf Ashour, who specialises in sustainable construction materials, is supervising the research from Bradford’s School of Computing and Engineering.

Innovative Approach: Self Nanocrystallisation of Cement

The core of the research is a process called Self Nanocrystallisation of Cement (SNC). This method uses the natural hydration chemistry of cement to create nanomaterials that strengthen concrete. Specifically, the process converts nanoscale calcium hydroxide into nano calcium carbonate through controlled CO2 bubbling. This produces a low-cost, energy-efficient nanofiller that can be mixed directly into fresh concrete.

Expected Benefits

• Reduction in CO2 emissions by 10 to 40 per cent
• Improved concrete strength, toughness, durability, and resistance to cracking and corrosion
• Potential to achieve one to three higher strength classes without increasing cement content
• Lower construction costs by approximately 25 per cent due to reduced cement use and longer-lasting structures

The research will involve extensive experimental testing at Bradford’s specialist laboratories and large-scale structural testing facilities. The project will also include life cycle assessment, numerical modelling, and structural-scale testing to validate the technology. A three-month secondment at Holcim’s global research and development centre will support the evaluation of the technology at an industrial scale.

Implications for the Construction Industry

If successful, the SNC technology could offer a practical and scalable solution for producing net zero concrete, contributing to global climate goals. The project also highlights Bradford’s role in advancing sustainable engineering practices.