Cement and concrete

Boral Limited is collaborating with the University of Technology Sydney, Transport for NSW, and Calix to develop a lower carbon concrete product using Australian calcined clay as a sustainable alternative to traditional supplementary cementitious materials. This initiative aims to address the declining global availability of blast furnace slag and fly ash while promoting decarbonisation in the construction sector. The two-year project is supported by SmartCrete CRC and will involve rigorous testing and validation of calcined clay concrete's feasibility for Australian infrastructure. A significant milestone has been achieved with the successful calcination of clay using renewable energy, showcasing the potential for low carbon intensity materials. Meanwhile, a separate research team at the University of Tokyo has created a method to recycle old concrete into new building materials while capturing carbon dioxide, further contributing to reducing the cement industry's environmental impact. Both initiatives reflect a broader industry trend towards sustainable practices amid increasing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.