Concrete alternatives for sustainable construction

Cement is one of the most widely used materials in the world, but it comes at a high environmental cost. In fact, its production is responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions and thus designers and manufacturers are exploring new ways to rethink concrete and reduce its impact on the planet.

One example is EcoBlox, developed by Nova Terra. Instead of relying on traditional concrete ingredients, these blocks are made from leftover materials from excavation, e.g. sand and clay fines. By transforming waste into a building resource and producing the blocks locally in Colorado, the company offers a practical and lower-impact alternative to standard concrete.

At Holcim, researchers have taken a different approach by introducing biochar into concrete. Biochar is created by heating organic waste without oxygen, a process that locks carbon into a stable form. By incorporating this material into their mix, Holcim has developed a circular, carbon-negative concrete that not only reduces emissions but stores carbon.

In coastal environments, concrete can damage delicate ecosystems. That’s where Coastalock, created by ECOncrete, stands out. This specially designed concrete uses bio-enhancing ingredients and textured molds shaped by scientific research to encourage marine life to grow on and around infrastructure, helping restore biodiversity instead of harming it.

Another promising solution comes from Solid Carbon with its product BioPOZZ. Using biochar technology, BioPOZZ acts as a supplementary cementitious material that replaces part of the cement in concrete mixes. In doing so, it captures carbon and reduces the overall emissions associated with construction.

Finally, GateLite by Wells focuses on efficiency. This lightweight and durable façade system cuts cement use by 40 percent compared to conventional options, lowering embodied carbon while maintaining strength and performance.