Meeting today’s demands for reduced carbon emissions and waste requires novel applications of (recycled) materials in the construction industry. Our research plays a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainable practices by reducing the cement content in concrete, developing recycles aggregates and using recycled materials for geotechnical applications.
The research in this field is advanced through a new three year collaborative research and development project, Alternative Raw Materials with Low Impact (ARLI). Led by the University of Birmingham, the project will work with small and medium sized enterpriese (SMEs) to develop new and innovative products and processes that support more efficient use of raw material and the development of effective alternative materials from waste streams.
Specifically, the project will:
- Address acute raw material deficiencies currently crippling construction and industrial supply chains
- Deliver improved environmental impact with cost effective solutions realised through reduced carbon emissions
- Encourage economic growth through commercialisation of novel products and processes
- Seed collaborative working between the University and Industry
- Assist the reduction of skill shortages within the sustainable futures sector
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will run between July 2017 and June 2020.