REINCE: Sustainable concrete

IDEA together with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, the Construction Technology Centre of the Region of Murcia, the companies Cementos La Cruz, Construcciones Urdecon and Materiales Reciclados are developing a project to manufacture cement-free concrete that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

This project aims to develop near-zero carbon footprint geopolymers from different materials in order to replace the much more polluting conventional Portland cement in the production of concrete.

Cement manufacturing generates 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions and 5% of the CO2 generated annually in Spain, given that one of its main ingredients, clinker, needs to be fired at 1,400 degrees Celsius.

Well-known geopolymer concrete, made from industrial and urban waste materials, will be used in the manufacture of this new sustainable concrete in order to move forward towards decarbonisation and improved sustainability. Additionally, waste recovery will further contribute to the development of circular economy.

These products will have a low carbon footprint compared to conventional concrete, as they will require much less energy to manufacture. In addition, it will preserve the durable and resistant characteristics of this material used in the construction of a wide variety of infrastructures.

Project financed through the Call for Public Grants aimed at financing Strategic projects included in the Research & Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3MUR Strategy) by the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, through the Regional Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism and Employment in the framework of the Region of Murcia ERDF Operational Programme 2014-2020 under Thematic Objective 1. Boost research, technological development and innovation by 80%, and with CARM’s own funds by 20%.