Aecon, a major construction and infrastructure development company in Canada, has teamed up with Concordia University in Montreal to launch a pioneering research project aimed at revolutionizing the construction industry.
The partnership, established through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will concentrate on creating new low-carbon construction materials, with a special focus on low-carbon concrete.
Aecon and Concordia aim to tackle the significant contribution of concrete to carbon emissions by exploring innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production.
Prabh K. Banga, Vice President of Sustainability at Aecon, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to drive positive change in the industry.
Banga stated, “We are committed to harnessing innovative technologies in the construction industry to accelerate the energy transition and advance sustainable construction. Concrete, being an essential construction material, is the focus of this research partnership.”
As part of the MOU, Aecon and Concordia will carry out two research projects in 2024 under Concordia’s Volt-Age applied research program.
One project, named “Decarbonising the Concrete Jungle,” will concentrate on piloting three low-carbon concrete slabs made with alternative materials to decrease cement usage. Its goal is to advocate for sustainable materials and implement circular economy principles by incorporating waste materials from other Aecon projects.
The second project, “Eco-Architecture Decarbonised 3D Printed Concrete Buildings,” will investigate the utilization of 3D-printed low-carbon concrete columns, also crafted with alternative materials. This project aims to push forward energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient building practices through innovative 3D concrete printing technologies.
Banga stressed the importance of these projects in promoting sustainable construction practices.
“These projects offer a valuable opportunity for shared knowledge and access to resources that may not have been available to us before,” said Banga.
In addition to the specific projects, the MOU outlines collaboration between Aecon and Concordia on other low-carbon concrete solutions, industrial waste valorization projects, and potential internship opportunities for Civil Engineering students.
The partnership arrives at a crucial juncture, given that the building and construction industry is responsible for about 37 percent of global emissions, with concrete alone contributing 8 percent.