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A CEMent harnessing EARTH for a sustainable built environment

Project description

Greener concrete for a cooler planet

Concrete built our cities, but at an environmental cost. Cement is responsible for about 9 % of global CO2 emissions. With urbanisation on the rise and pressure mounting to meet carbon neutrality by 2050, the construction industry is racing to find greener alternatives. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EARTHCEM project is testing Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), a low-carbon blend that uses less clinker and more locally sourced clay. EARTHCEM is not only developing the material but also putting it through tough, accelerated testing to prove it can handle real-world demands. By backing sustainability with solid science, EARTHCEM is helping to lay the foundations for a more resilient future in construction.

Objective

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, green concrete stands out as a crucial innovation in the construction industry. Cement, the primary ingredient in concrete, is essential for its production but is responsible for approximately 9% of global CO2 emissions. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have further amplified environmental concerns, particularly regarding carbon emissions. The stringent targets set to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 have driven the industry to seek effective solutions for reducing its carbon footprint.

The EARTHCEM project is at the forefront of this transformation, exploring the potential of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) to revolutionise the industry. By incorporating locally sourced clay materials and reducing clinker use, the project aims to minimise environmental impacts while optimising resource and energy efficiency. To ensure the durability and performance of LC3 under real-world conditions, the project will employ advanced accelerated testing methodologies, simulating long-term environmental exposure in shorter time frames. These tests will validate the mechanical properties, durability, and long-term performance of LC3, ensuring that it meets the rigorous demands of large-scale infrastructure applications. By providing the industry with a comprehensive and robust set of data, EARTHCEM will help to mitigate uncertainties related to the material’s behaviour over time, enhancing its appeal for broader adoption in construction.

This initiative represents a significant approach toward sustainable development, aligning infrastructure advancements with ecological and economic resilience. Through innovative research, practical solutions, and rigorous accelerated testing, EARTHCEM is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable construction future.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution
€ 276 187,92
Address
RESEARCH SERVICES C/O MAIN BUILDING
CF10 3AT CARDIFF
United Kingdom
Region
Wales East Wales Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Partners (1)