Discover how innovators are developing materials to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production, including self-healing technology and using bio-inspired solutions. Explore the challenges of working with bacteria in engineering processes and the potential of collaborative efforts in the construction industry. Hear about the positive aspects of technology advancements in foundational industries.
Incorporating self-healing technologies in concrete can reduce repair costs, indirect CO2 emissions, and decrease reliance on excessive amounts of rebar.
Collaboration between startups, larger companies, and government agencies is essential to drive the development and scaling of sustainable construction materials.
Deep dives
Challenges in Making Construction More Sustainable
Concrete is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions, making it essential to find sustainable solutions. Although using waste products from other industries is a step in the right direction, a more disruptive and long-lasting solution is needed. One challenge is the high maintenance and repair costs associated with concrete structures. By incorporating self-healing technologies, such as encapsulated healing agents, it is possible to decrease repair costs and indirect CO2 emissions. The goal is to create a future where self-healing concrete can reduce the need for excessive amounts of rebar and significantly decrease carbon emissions.
Addressing Sustainability Challenges in Construction
The construction industry faces challenges in adopting new technologies due to conservative regulations and the need for extensive testing and certifications. Collaboration is crucial in order to gain industry confidence and address these challenges. Both startups and larger companies play a vital role in developing and scaling sustainable materials. Government agencies, such as Innovate UK, provide funding and support, helping to facilitate collaborations between industry, startups, and research partners. These collaborations will not only drive the development of sustainable construction materials but also influence governmental policies and testing standards.
Future Potential of Self-Healing Concrete
In the future, self-healing technologies in concrete could revolutionize the construction industry. The aim is to improve the performance and longevity of concrete structures by utilizing self-healing capabilities. This includes healing larger cracks and reducing the need for excessive rebar. Additionally, the use of biomimicry and biotech in construction materials opens up possibilities for addressing other environmental challenges, such as air pollution. As these technologies continue to evolve, there is excitement about discovering new benefits and applications that can make concrete more sustainable and efficient.
Overcoming Barriers and Looking Ahead
There are barriers that need to be overcome for wide-scale adoption of sustainable construction materials. Cost, regulations, and potential resistance to change from the industry are some of these barriers. To address these challenges, companies are actively collaborating, engaging with manufacturers, and seeking partnerships to develop and scale their technologies. Government agencies like Innovate UK are playing a crucial role in funding and supporting these initiatives. By building confidence in the performance, sustainability, and long-term viability of these materials, the construction industry can achieve a more sustainable future.
Concrete is an essential material in modern society. It is the second most used material after water and it’s demand continues to increase. However, at least 8% of global emissions caused by humans come from the cement industry. Therefore, reducing the environmental impact of cement and concrete production and use is critical in achieving a more sustainable environment. Biological systems are providing inspiration for solutions to this problem. In this episode, learn about two innovators that are developing materials that can reduce the environmental impact of construction.
This episode was sponsored by Innovate UK Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge. This challenge is providing funding and support to create a cleaner, more efficient and more competitive sector that is fit for our future. Find out more by searching ‘Transforming Foundation Industries’ or going to this link.
Guests:
Dr Lívia Riberio de Souza – CTO & Co-founder – Mimicrete
Liv Anderson – CEO & Co-founder – BioZeroc
Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!
If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.
Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks (co-creator,co-host), Andrew Falkowski (co-creator), Jared Duffy (production, marketing, and editing).
Keywords: UKRI Construction Materials Bio Inspired Concrete
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