Low-carbon ‘bio-enhancing’ concrete turns ports into flourishing marine ecosystems
Concrete infrastructure in coastal marine environments can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Furthermore, cement, the main ingredient in concrete, contributes about 8 % of global CO2 emissions. ECOncrete(opens in new window) was founded in 2012 by two marine biologists to develop an eco-friendly material that creates habitats on coastal and marine infrastructure, allowing marine life to settle and thrive – all while meeting stringent engineering requirements. After a decade of research and development, lab testing and validation, industry certifications, and numerous pilots worldwide, ECOncrete initiated the EU-funded Living Ports(opens in new window) project to catalyse a fundamental change in best practices for the design and construction of ports. In a collaboration with the Port of Vigo, the Technical University of Denmark and Cardama shipyard to herald that change, the team implemented its solutions at one of the world’s largest fishing ports in Spain.
Encouraging habitat creation, strengthening infrastructure
ECOncrete’s rough, uneven surfaces with gaps and swim-through holes provide habitat, shelter and breeding spaces. They enable the creation of ecological niches, promoting the growth of organisms like oysters, coral, barnacles and algae, and supporting fish populations. In addition, the biocalcification protects the concrete from weathering and buffering hydrodynamic forces. Tomer Tagar-Hadary of ECOncrete, and Living Ports project coordinator, states: “The structures’ design can be tailored to encourage specific organisms, life stages or endangered species, and reduce the number of invasive species.”
Reducing port pollution and emissions
ECOncrete also improves water quality. Filter-feeding species remove excess nutrients and reduce eutrophication and the flourishing flora and fauna can improve water clarity by trapping sediment. The units even absorb and reduce light and noise pollution for marine and terrestrial inhabitants. And to top it all, ECOncrete solutions significantly reduce the embodied carbon footprint of concrete marine infrastructure in a holistic way. Low-carbon concrete mixes lower the concrete carbon footprint by up to 70 %. The bio-enhancing concrete admixture, compatible with any concrete mix, is made of byproducts and recycled materials and is 92 % carbon-neutral. Local supply chain strategies reduce transport-related CO2 emissions. And, of course, carbon sequestration can be enhanced by up to sevenfold, thanks to the natural carbon sink created by the growing carbon-based organisms with calcified shells.
Port of Vigo: window on biodiversity
Living Ports showcased their pioneering solutions at the Port of Vigo, strongly committed to creating green infrastructure. “The integration of ECOncrete Coastalocks (eco-engineered coastal protection) and ecologically enhanced Seawalls has generated habitats that are normally missing from coastal and marine structures. Tidepools, crevices, overhangs and swim-through caves have increased the abundance and diversity of species including fish, invertebrates and algae(opens in new window),” explains Tagar-Hadary. The consortium also developed and installed the Nautilus, an underwater observatory open to the public, at the nearby Cardama shipyard. “This unique structure offers a window into the port’s waters, allowing visitors to see biodiversity flourishing on ecologically enhanced infrastructures,” Tagar-Hadary adds. It should foster a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems and the importance of integrating nature into future urban and coastal planning. More than 60 000 people have already visited the observatory. “The Living Ports project aims to become an inspiring example of nature-inclusive port infrastructure, demonstrating how alignment with environmental conservation, marine biodiversity protection and community engagement establishes a new paradigm for sustainable ports worldwide,” concludes Tagar-Hadary.
