bio-enhanced carbon Sequestrated constrUction and demolition waSTe-based self-heAling carbon-negatIve coNcrete

ongoing

Excessive carbon emissions and management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) are critical challenges that the EU seeks to overcome to achieve climate neutrality. Portland cement (PC), an indispensable material for modern infrastructure construction, is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while CDW represents the largest waste stream in the EU, accounting for more than a third of all waste. The SUSTAIN project addresses these issues by absorbing carbon emissions through integrated bio-mineralisation and accelerated carbonation of CDW materials and utilising it to develop novel self-healing carbon-negative concrete. The project is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in nature, aiming to carbonate recycled concrete powder (RCP) and recycled aggregates (RA) through a synergistic process that combines CO2 absorption with microbial-induced enhancement. This process aims to meet the cement demand in the construction sector by repurposing RCP as supplementary cementitious material and improving the quality of RA to enable their full replacement of natural aggregates. Additionally, this treatment will give self-healable properties to concrete, allowing it to autonomously repair cracks through microbial-induced carbonate precipitation during its service life. This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of “Sustainable Cities and Communities” and the European Green Deal, thus enhancing EU scientific excellence. The researcher will receive extensive training to advance his career by learning new analytical and experimental skills, effective management, advanced training, supervision skills, publishing papers, writing EU patents, and funding proposals. The project will play a vital role in achieving net-zero CO2 emissions, offering climate-neutral construction materials, and equipping the researcher with cutting-edge skills to catalyse future leadership roles in academia and industry.