Fibrenamics and MIT Partner for Sustainable Fiber Innovation
Portugal’s Fibrenamics Institute and MIT are collaborating on two groundbreaking projects to reduce environmental impact. Funded by the MIT-Portugal program, these projects aim to cut carbon emissions in construction and repurpose marine waste for healthcare and space applications.
The first project seeks to replace steel with natural fibers like wood and hemp in concrete, offering a low-carbon alternative for construction. The second focuses on creating sustainable fibers from materials like fishing nets and algae, which can be used in wound care and space technology.
Additionally, Fibrenamics has partnered with UMass Lowell’s HEROES lab to develop advanced materials for defense, reinforcing Portugal-U.S. innovation ties.
BIG’s New HQ: Advancing Sustainable Concrete Design
Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) new headquarters in Copenhagen highlights sustainable concrete innovation with its custom Uni-Green concrete, developed with Unicon to meet DGNB Gold standards. The building’s unique structural design features a central column made from layered Scandinavian stone, minimizing steel use and enhancing stability. Concrete walls support an open-plan layout, maximizing natural light.
The Uni-Green concrete integrates seamlessly with solar and geothermal systems, covering 84% of heating and all cooling needs, showcasing concrete’s potential in energy-efficient, low-carbon architecture. BIG’s HQ reimagines concrete as a cornerstone of sustainable urban design.
Full story: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/bjarke-ingels-big-headquarters-copenhagen-denmark-10-29-2024/
Saudi Arabia to Introduce First Low-Carbon Concrete Solution
The UK’s Next Generation SCM and Saudi Arabia’s City Cement are partnering to produce low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in Riyadh, using advanced technology that cuts emissions by 99% compared to traditional cement. The plant, set to begin production in 2025, will eventually produce 700,000 tonnes annually, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s emissions-reduction goals.
Utilizing CemGreen’s CemTower technology, this venture will bring sustainable SCM production to the Gulf region, reducing reliance on imported materials and bolstering Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for low carbon infrastructure.
Full story: https://www-arabnews-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.arabnews.com/node/2574623/amp
Credit: CemGreen
UVA Develops Sustainable 3D-Printed Concrete with Graphene
The University of Virginia has developed an eco-friendly 3D-printed concrete using limestone, calcined clay cement, and graphene. This innovative material is stronger, more durable, and reduces carbon emissions by 31% compared to traditional concrete.
Led by Professor Osman Ozbulut, the team found that graphene enhances the concrete’s strength and reduces water use, making it more resource-efficient. Tested with the Virginia Transportation Research Council, this material holds promise for sustainable infrastructure and advances green building practices.
ACI Publishes CODE-323-24: Low-Carbon Concrete – Code Requirements and Commentary
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has officially released the much-anticipated CODE-323 and is eager to see its adoption nationwide. Over the coming months, ACI, in collaboration with NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete, will provide educational and training resources to support the concrete industry in implementing CODE-323-24 successfully.
Purchase link: https://www.concrete.org/store/productdetail.aspx?ItemID=32324&Format=PROTECTED_PDF&Language=English&Units=US_Units
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Alen Keri 
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